Rape-accused Sibiya allegedly exchanged explicit messages with minor before arrest

Rape-accused police officer Shadrack Sibiya is accused of engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a minor before his arrest, according to sources. The girl's father became suspicious after intercepting messages between his daughter and Sibiya. The father then took the minor's phone and started communicating with Sibiya under the guise of his daughter.

These interactions are part of evidence in a criminal complaint filed against Sibiya. Sibiya and the complainant, a friend of the family, have known each other for years and were reportedly close enough for Sibiya to buy a bakkie from him. However, their relationship reportedly soured after a dispute involving a woman whose services the complainant allegedly arranged for wealthy clients.

Sources claim Sibiya had used one of these services but refused to pay. The dispute over non-payment allegedly led to the woman threatening to file a criminal complaint, causing the breakdown of the relationship. On September 21, Sibiya was arrested by the SAPS Commissions Recommendations Task Team for alleged sexual offenses against a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman.

The acting national commissioner emphasized the responsibility of police officers to protect women and children and that rank or seniority could not exempt anyone from the law.