SAPS IN CRISIS: The State versus Shadrack Sibiya — unpacking the explosive rape, grooming, human trafficking charges

A charge sheet sets out the grim case against top cop Shadrack Sibiya, alleging that he plied a group of friends with alcohol at what he called a ‘classy place’ – a strip club – then raped one of them, aged 18, at a hotel. He is also accused of sending explicit messages to a 16-year-old.

South Africa’s Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is in custody facing serious allegations, including plying a young woman with alcohol at a strip club and raping her at a hotel.

Sibiya, 59, made his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 September 2026, after his arrest the day before.

BREAKING : Suspended deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is in the dock. The state and defence are not opposed to the bail application being broadcast with restrictions but that won’t proceed today because of time constraints. The bail hearing will now be heard on the… pic.twitter.com/mqr3qRShPX

Sibiya faces five charges, including rape, human trafficking and the sexual grooming of a child.

These charges are serious and grim, especially when viewed against Sibiya’s role in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

He previously explained to Parliament that he was responsible for the Crime Intelligence arena, forensic science laboratory services and detectives.

It is not the first time Sibiya has been at the centre of controversy.

He previously headed the Hawks in Gauteng, but was suspended and dismissed in another notable policing scandal.

Daily Maverick has seen the charge sheet against Sibiya and will withhold certain details so as not to identify the child he is accused of targeting.

Sent sexually explicit messages to a 16-year-old girl between July and August this year.

Sent her nude photographs of herself which she had not supplied to him.

Took a group of girls or young women, including an 18-year-old, to what he said was a “classy venue”, which turned out to be The Grand, which the charge sheet describes as a strip club in Sandton. Sibiya allegedly bought them food and plied them with liquor at the venue. The 18-year-old passed out, and Sibiya allegedly raped her in a hotel room and boasted to her friends that she was still a virgin.

Sibiya’s case was postponed for a week, during which time he will remain in custody.