Top cop Sibiya back in court on rape, sexual grooming and trafficking charges

South African police officer Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya is set to face a bail hearing over five serious charges, including rape, sexual grooming, and trafficking. Sibiya is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday for a formal bail application. This comes after his arrest last week, where he faced charges of raping an 18-year-old woman who was unconscious from excessive alcohol consumption.

The state claims Sibiya took the woman, along with two others, to a Sandton strip club, where they consumed alcohol and later engaged in sexual activity. Additionally, Sibiya is accused of grooming a 16-year-old girl through WhatsApp messages, sending her explicit photos and videos, and exploiting her for sexual purposes. Prosecutors allege these incidents occurred between May 16 and August 3, 2026.

Sibiya was previously remanded in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria, and the state alleges he might attempt to flee if detained at a police station. Legal experts have stated that Sibiya, if convicted, could face a lengthy prison sentence and potentially lose his position in the South African Police Service.

The case highlights the necessity for thorough vetting of senior police officers, as legal advisor Nthabiseng Dubazana emphasized that the stringent nature of Sibiya's charges could require him to demonstrate exceptional circumstances for bail. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the Criminal Recommendations Task Team had substantial evidence against Sibiya, stating that SAPS would continue to support the alleged victims and combat gender-based violence and femicide.