South Africa’s Deputy Police Chief Resigns

South Africa’s deputy police chief, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, has resigned following sexual offence charges and allegations linking him to organised crime.

His lawyer submitted the resignation letter during a disciplinary hearing on Monday, according to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe. His departure is being treated as a dishonourable discharge because he resigned while disciplinary proceedings were ongoing.

Sibiya, 59, has denied the allegations, which include sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl, raping an 18-year-old woman and human trafficking. He has acknowledged having sex with the adult complainant but maintains that it was consensual.

He has remained in custody since his arrest three weeks ago.

The former deputy police chief was previously suspended following allegations of links to criminal figures. These claims emerged during South Africa’s Madlanga Commission, a public inquiry investigating alleged corruption and collusion between police officers and criminal networks.

During the inquiry, Sibiya was accused of interfering with investigations into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal and receiving cash and 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in connection with a police contract. He denied those allegations.

The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa after allegations of links between senior officials and criminal gangs triggered concerns about corruption within the police service.

Sibiya’s resignation adds another development to the wider investigation, which has drawn significant public attention to questions of accountability and trust in South Africa’s law enforcement institutions.

The charges and allegations against him remain matters for the relevant legal and disciplinary processes.

Stay Connected with VYPA

VYPA helps brands and businesses improve their visibility through smart digital screens and connected content. Download the VYPA app on the Google Play Store and follow VYPA across all social media platforms.