Rape-accused Shadrack Sibiya ‘arrested at strip club’

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was reportedly arrested at a strip club on Monday night before appearing in court on rape, trafficking and child-grooming charges.

Members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team arrested the 59-year-old on Monday, 21 September.

A report placed the arrest at a strip club. Police have not officially confirmed the location or disclosed what Sibiya was doing when officers detained him.

He appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until 29 September.

Escape fears send Sibiya to Kgosi Mampuru

Officials transferred Sibiya to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre after receiving intelligence about a possible escape.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the information influenced the decision not to hold the senior officer at a Johannesburg detention facility.

Sibiya will remain at the Pretoria prison until his formal bail application.

Prosecutors also fear that people linked to the case could intimidate witnesses.

A witness allegedly received a threatening voice note at about 14:00 on Tuesday. Investigators are examining the recording and trying to establish who sent it.

The State placed the alleged threat before the court and is expected to rely on it when opposing bail.

Officials have withheld the identity of the witness and further details to prevent possible interference.

According to a report, investigators are also probing whether Sibiya acted with the help of a wider group. No one else has been charged in connection with the case.

Five charges against suspended top cop

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

Prosecutors allege that he raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel in May 2026.

He is also accused of grooming a 16-year-old girl through electronic communication between July and August.

The trafficking charge reportedly involves three people.

Sibiya has not yet pleaded, and the allegations remain untested in court.

His arrest marks another dramatic turn for the former head of South Africa’s detectives, who already faced suspension over separate allegations involving interference in police investigations.

The case returns to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 29 September for a formal bail application.