BREAKING: Shadrack Sibiya remanded on rape and trafficking charges

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya will remain behind bars after appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on five charges, including rape, trafficking in persons and the sexual grooming of a child.

The court postponed the matter to 29 September for a formal bail application, which the State intends to oppose. Sibiya will be detained at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, where alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has also been held while facing separate criminal proceedings.

Sibiya is the suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection and holds the rank of Lieutenant-General.

WHAT THE STATE ALLEGES

The charges relate to alleged incidents between 16 May and 3 August 2026 involving an 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl.

The State alleges that Sibiya sexually groomed the child through electronic communication.

He also faces a rape charge linked to an alleged incident involving the adult complainant, as well as a human trafficking charge arising from allegations involving three people.

Members of the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) arrested Sibiya on Monday.

The National Prosecuting Authority said it would pursue the case “without fear, favour or prejudice”, regardless of an accused person’s position or status.

Sibiya remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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

— Ziyanda N (@ZiyandaNgcobo) September 22, 2026

MORE VICTIMS MAY COME FORWARD

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said SAPS could not rule out further complainants emerging as detectives continue investigating the case.

“We cannot rule out the possibility of more victims coming forward,” Mathe said.

She urged anyone who believes they may also have been victimised to approach police.

“If there are any victims out there, they should not be afraid,” she said.

Mathe said investigators would treat any information with strict confidentiality.

She said the sensitivity of the case, the involvement of a minor and Sibiya’s senior position prompted investigators to handle the matter discreetly.

“You are not just talking about any police officer. You are talking about a high-ranking police officer,” Mathe said.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit has also joined the investigation.

‘WE ARRESTED OUR OWN’

Mathe said Sibiya’s arrest showed SAPS would act against its own senior members when investigators believed the evidence warranted prosecution.

“The fact that it is us that arrested our own and we brought the matter before court does showcase that we are quite serious with obviously dealing decisively with GBVF within our ranks,” she said.

Mathe said investigators believed they had gathered enough evidence to take the case to court but stressed that a court must determine guilt.

“There is a case to answer to, but let’s leave it to the courts and let us not obviously pronounce on whether a person is innocent or guilty,” she said.

CACHALIA CONDEMNS ALLEGATIONS

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has strongly condemned the alleged conduct.

He said the allegations were particularly disturbing because of the responsibility placed on senior police officers to protect women and children.

“A police officer, and particularly a senior police officer, is entrusted with enormous responsibility to protect members of the public, uphold the law and safeguard the rights and dignity of women and children,” Cachalia said.

He said SAPS must investigate allegations against its members “without fear or favour”, regardless of rank.

“The SAPS cannot credibly lead the fight against gender-based violence while turning a blind eye to allegations of such conduct within its own ranks,” Cachalia said.

“Our commitment to combating GBVF must apply equally within the police service.”

Cachalia also referred to the recent deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni, saying the cases had again highlighted the vulnerability of women and the responsibility on government to protect them.

SIBIYA JOINS ‘CAT’ MATLALA BEHIND BARS

Matlala remains incarcerated at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre while facing separate criminal proceedings.

The two men have previously featured together in evidence before the Madlanga Commission. Matlala has made allegations about his dealings and interactions with Sibiya, while Sibiya has repeatedly denied having an improper relationship with him and disputed allegations of wrongdoing.

Those matters are separate from the rape, trafficking and grooming charges now before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.

The State will argue against his release when his formal bail application begins on 29 September.