Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya, the deputy police chief of South Africa, resigned on Monday after a lawyer representing him submitted his resignation letter at a disciplinary hearing. The move came three weeks after Sibiya was arrested and charged with sexual offences, including grooming a 16‑year‑old girl and raping an 18‑year‑old woman, and a charge of human trafficking. He also faces allegations of links to organised crime bosses, accusations that led to his suspension last year.
Sibiya denies the allegations of crime boss links and claims the sexual encounter with the 18‑year‑old was consensual. He has been in custody since his arrest. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said on X that Sibiya’s departure was a dishonourable discharge because he was still facing a disciplinary case when he resigned.
The accusations surfaced during the Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate police corruption and collusion with criminals. Sibiya was accused of interfering with investigations into political killings in KwaZulu‑Natal, and of receiving cash and 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract. The commission has revealed widespread links between police officers and crime bosses, sparking national outrage.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was also accused of working with criminal gangs, has been suspended. The resignation marks a significant blow to the South African Police Service amid ongoing scrutiny of its leadership.
