One of South Africa’s most senior police officers has been charged with sexual offences involving two young women, including allegations of rape and grooming.
Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, the suspended deputy national police commissioner, appeared briefly in court north-west of Johannesburg after being detained on Monday.
Prosecutors allege that Sibiya, 59, sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman. He is also facing a trafficking charge, raising the possibility that other suspects could be implicated in the case.
Sibiya made no comment during the court appearance and has not publicly responded to the allegations.
He is expected to return to court on September 29 for a bail hearing, with prosecutors expected to oppose his release.
South African broadcaster SABC reported that the state had also asked for Sibiya to be transferred to another detention facility after authorities received information suggesting a possible escape plan.
The case comes as South Africa’s police service faces intense scrutiny over allegations of corruption and links between senior officers and criminal networks.
Sibiya has separately appeared before the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry established to investigate alleged corruption and criminal interference within the police.
The commission has heard allegations that Sibiya received 20 impalas as a gift from an alleged criminal kingpin in return for helping secure a police contract.
Sibiya has denied that allegation.
