In brief
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, South Africa’s deputy police chief, resigned on Monday after criminal charges linked to sexual offences and alleged organised‑crime collusion surfaced. He has denied all allegations, claiming a 18‑year‑old victim listed the encounter as consensual. The resignation came after a disciplinary hearing where his lawyer submitted a letter of resignation. Sibiya’s case highlights mounting concerns revealed by the Madlanga Commission over police corruption and links to crime bosses.
Three weeks after facing criminal charges, South Africa’s deputy police chief, Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, submitted a resignation letter at his disciplinary hearing on Monday.
Sibiya, 59, is accused of sexual offences, including grooming a 16‑year‑old and raping an 18‑year‑old, plus a charge of human trafficking. He denied the allegations outright, asserting that the encounter with the 18‑year‑old was consensual.
The controversy stemmed from earlier accusations that Sibiya had ties to organised‑crime bosses, allegations that led to his suspension in 2025. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe described his departure as a dishonourable discharge because the resignation occurred while a disciplinary case was still pending.
The accusations surfaced during the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate police corruption and collusion with criminals. The Commission has uncovered widespread claims that police officers, including Sibiya, interfered with investigations into political killings in KwaZulu‑Natal and received gifts—cash and 20 impalas—from alleged crime lords in exchange for police contracts.
Sibiya has remained in custody since his arrest three weeks ago, as the investigation into his alleged misconduct continues.
Read the police spokesperson’s X post for details on the disciplinary proceedings.
