Suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya is facing new allegations of rape and sexual grooming of a teenager. According to information obtained, Sibiya allegedly exchanged sexually explicit material with the minor daughter of a close friend months before his arrest. The girl's father became alarmed after intercepting the communication between his daughter and Sibiya and took possession of the child's phone.
The communication has since become part of the evidence in a criminal complaint against Sibiya, filed by the child's father at the Sandton police station earlier this month. Sibiya and the complainant have known each other for several years and have a close relationship. Sibiya recently purchased a bakkie from the complainant, who also owns a security company and arranges escorts for wealthy clients in Sandton.
Sources allege that Sibiya had received the services of one of the women but subsequently refused to pay the agreed amount, leading to a dispute. The alleged dispute escalated, with the woman threatening to open a criminal case. The cost of the services could reach R10,000 a night, depending on the woman selected and the arrangements made with the client.
Sibiya was arrested on September 21, 2026, by members of the South African Police Service's Commissions Recommendations Task Team (CRTT). He faces allegations relating to the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August 2026, as well as the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman. The alleged rape occurred at a hotel in Sandton in May 2026.
SAPS Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane condemned the alleged conduct, stating that police officers have a heightened responsibility to protect women and children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. Dimpane added that rank and seniority cannot place anyone above the law and that allegations of criminal conduct against police officers must be investigated without fear or favor.
Sibiya's arrest has brought renewed scrutiny to the allegations levelled against him. At the time of his arrest, Sibiya was with his friend, Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela, at the Grand Strip Club, owned by Andrew Phillips, who was previously accused of running a brothel. Sibiya is yet to plead to the charges and will make his second court appearance before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on September 29 for a formal bail application.
Sibiya is currently remanded at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria until the bail proceedings. The allegations involving the minor are separate from the dispute over the alleged non-payment for sexual services, although sources say the matters have become part of the broader investigation into Sibiya.
Key points
- Shadrack Sibiya faces allegations of rape and sexual grooming of a teenager.
- Sibiya's arrest has brought renewed scrutiny to the allegations levelled against him.
- The allegations against Sibiya include the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman.
