One of South Africa's highest-ranking police officers, Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, has been charged with sexual offences following a court appearance north-west of Johannesburg. The charges include allegations that he sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman. He also faces a charge of trafficking, which could lead to further arrests in the case.
The 59-year-old, who is a suspended deputy police commissioner, was detained on Monday and has made no comment. He is scheduled to appear in court again on 29 September for a bail application, which prosecutors are expected to oppose.
National broadcaster SABC has reported that the state has requested a change in Sibiya's prison holding due to indications of a potential escape plan. This case emerges as the police service is under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry into allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals. Sibiya has denied accusations made at the inquiry that he received 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract.