One of South Africa's highest-ranking police officers, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, has been charged with serious sexual offences following his appearance at court north-west of Johannesburg. The charges include allegations of grooming a 16-year-old girl, raping an 18-year-old woman, and human trafficking, with potential for additional arrests connected to the trafficking charge. This case adds to mounting scrutiny of South Africa's police force during a major public inquiry into corruption and collusion with criminals.

The 59-year-old suspended deputy police commissioner was detained on Monday and has made no comment. He is due to appear in court again on 29 September for a bail hearing, where prosecutors are expected to oppose his release. Authorities have requested his transfer to a different prison owing to reports of a potential escape plan, and the case occurs within the broader Madlanga Commission inquiry, which has already heard accusations that Sibiya received a gift of 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract.