Suspended deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, 59, was arrested at an upscale Sandton strip club, The Grand, on Monday over allegations of rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming of minors. He appeared in the Randburg magistrates' court this week and is set to return on Tuesday for a bail application. The allegations against Sibiya include the rape of an 18-year-old woman, trafficking of three people for sexual exploitation, and sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl.
According to a dancer at The Grand, Sibiya was a regular visitor to the club, preferring the company of Russian women. The dancer claimed Sibiya would often spend time with three Russian women, paying them to leave the club with him, which could cost around R15,000. The club charges patrons between R600 and R1,000 for entry, with a complimentary drink, and its buffet costs an additional R1,500. The dancer stated that Sibiya usually visited the club around 1 am and was known to buy alcohol for the women.
The charge sheet against Sibiya alleges that on May 16, he took the 18-year-old complainant, MC, and her friends to The Grand, where he bought them food and liquor. The state claims that Sibiya then took MC to the Sandton Garden Court hotel, where the alleged rape occurred. The complainant reportedly passed out, and Sibiya allegedly boasted that she was "very nice and still a virgin" after leaving the hotel room. Sibiya faces five counts, including rape, trafficking, and sexual grooming of a child.
The alleged trafficking incident involved three women, MC, BQ, and NM, who were taken to The Grand and the Garden Court hotel. The state alleges that Sibiya unlawfully and intentionally delivered, recruited, or transported these women for the purpose of sexual exploitation. However, there is a discrepancy in the charge sheet regarding the date of the trafficking allegation, with one portion citing July 16, 2026, and the detailed narrative stating May 16, 2026.
Sibiya is also accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl, ZM, through WhatsApp and sending her sexually explicit images. The charge sheet claims that Sibiya befriended ZM after her father, who worked with Sibiya, provided her contact information for transport arrangements. Sibiya is charged with promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexually grooming a child.
Sibiya's conduct within the police service has faced intense scrutiny, particularly regarding the transfer of 121 political killing investigations from KwaZulu-Natal to the national police head office in February. KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi strongly criticized the move, leading to a public feud between the two senior officers. Mkhwanazi subsequently barred Sibiya from operating in the province.
The Madlanga commission examined allegations surrounding Sibiya's relationships with controversial figures and his alleged financial links to people under investigation. The commission recommended criminal investigations into Sibiya's conduct and disciplinary action against him. Sibiya's case has raised concerns about the integrity of the police service and the need for accountability within the institution.
Key points
- Sibiya faces five counts, including rape, trafficking, and sexual grooming of a child.
- The Madlanga commission recommended criminal investigations into Sibiya's conduct and disciplinary action against him.
- Sibiya's arrest has raised concerns about the integrity of the police service and the need for accountability within the institution.
