South Africa: Five charges against Shadrack Sibiya, state opposes his release

The charges include one count of rape, one count of human trafficking, one count of promoting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Sibiya, 59, did not enter a plea during this initial appearance. His lawyer requested time to consult with him and receive instructions.

The alleged rape involves an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026. According to the indictment reviewed by the Guardian, the incident reportedly occurred while she was unconscious after consuming a substance that the accused allegedly administered to her.

The second case involves a 16-year-old girl between July 20 and August 3. The exchanges reportedly took place on WhatsApp. The prosecution claims that Sibiya sent her nude images of herself that she had not shared with him.

The officer was arrested on Monday by the Commission Recommendations Task Team, which handles cases arising from the recommendations of the Madlanga Commission. In its statement, the South African police confirmed the ages of the two complainants, the relevant time periods, and the location of the alleged rape, without immediately disclosing the suspect’s identity.

Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane stated that rank or seniority cannot place a police officer above the law. Sibiya was already suspended in another case involving the disputed transfer of 121 files related to political murder investigations. He denied these allegations before the Madlanga Commission in February.