South Africa's deputy police chief, Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, has resigned three weeks after being charged with sexual offences. His resignation letter was submitted by his lawyer at a disciplinary hearing on Monday, a police spokesperson confirmed.
The charges against Lt Gen Sibiya include allegations of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and raping an 18-year-old woman. He also faces a charge of trafficking. Lt Gen Sibiya has denied all charges, stating that while he had sex with the 18-year-old, it was consensual.
He has been in custody since his arrest three weeks ago, following the denial of his bail application. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated on X that Lt Gen Sibiya's departure from the police force is regarded as a dishonourable discharge.
The police service is currently under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry that began in September 2025, investigating allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals. The inquiry has heard accusations that Lt Gen Sibiya received 20 impalas as a gift from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract, an allegation he has denied.