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Sibiya arrest raises questions over police succession and security concerns

todaySeptember 22, 2026 8

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Lieutenant-General, Shadrack Sibiya, has appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday following his arrest over alleged sexual offences involving two young women. 

The 59-year-old senior South African Police Service (SAPS) official was arrested by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team at a strip club on Monday.

He is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman. Police say the alleged rape is believed to have taken place at a Sandton hotel in May.

Sibiya faces five charges, including rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexual grooming of a child.

The State is opposing bail, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, saying Sibiya will remain at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria until his next court appearance on 29 September.

Kganyago says security concerns informed the decision to keep him at the facility, amid fears that Sibiya could escape if he were held at a police station or the Johannesburg Correctional Centre.

He also confirmed that investigators are protecting witnesses following reports of a threatening voice note allegedly sent to witnesses on the afternoon of Sibiya’s court appearance.

“The investigating officers have taken it upon themselves to protect the witnesses, especially because that information is within the knowledge of the investigating officers and prosecutors and has been presented in court, to say that is one of the reasons why the State wants to oppose bail,” said Kganyago. 

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    Sibiya arrest raises questions over police succession and security concerns Realeboga Nke

Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, has described the allegations as “deeply disturbing”, particularly amid the country’s ongoing concerns over gender-based violence and femicide.

“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,” the acting minister said. 

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant-General, Puleng Dimpane, says allegations of criminal conduct against police officers must be investigated “without fear or favour”, regardless of rank.

However, Dr Bishop Maumela, who says he witnessed Sibiya’s arrest, claims the case is linked to an ongoing succession battle within the police service.

Maumela alleges that the criminal charges are being used to derail Sibiya’s bid to lead the national police service. 

He also claims search-and-seizure operations were carried out at Sibiya’s home and at the home of suspended Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, whom he believes is also being targeted.

Maumela has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene, warning  of possible retaliation if he does not act to tackle what he describes as internal battles for power within SAPS.​

Social media users have also reacted to Sibiya’s arrest, with many questioning the wider implications for SAPS.

Written by: Realeboga Nke

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