By Enyichukwu Enemanna
One of South Africa’s highest ranking police officers, Lt. Gen Shadrack Sibiya has briefly appeared before a court in north-west of Johannesburg, in connection with sexual offences.
The charges is in connection with how Sibiya sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman. He is also facing a charge of trafficking, which could mean that others who have a hand in the alleged crime may be arrested for made to face accountability.
The suspended deputy police commissioner, who was detained on Monday, is yet to comment on the matter.
The 59-year-old is due to appear in court again on 29 September for a bail application, expected to be challenged by prosecutors.
The state has also requested that the court change the prison where Sibiya will be held in the meantime as there are indications of a potential escape plan, a report by national broadcaster SABC said.
The case comes as the police service is in the spotlight at a major public inquiry over allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals.
The inquiry, known as the Madlanga Commission, began last September and has heard accusations that Sibiya received a gift of 20 impalas a wildlife from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract. He has denied the allegation.
