Top South African policeman charged with sexual offences

ByThuthuka Zondi, BBC Africa, Reporting fromJohannesburg and Damian Zane.

Key points

• The charges relate to allegations that Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman.
• The 59-year-old is due to appear in court again on 29 September for a bail application.
• One of South Africa's highest ranking police officers has been charged with sexual offences at a brief appearance at a court north-west of Johannesburg.
• 'Gifts' from a lover and 'botched' cocaine raids: Police inquiry grips South Africa.
• The case comes as the police service is in the spotlight at a major public inquiry over allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals.

In practice, the charges relate to allegations that Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl and raped an 18-year-old woman. He is additionally facing a charge of trafficking. It could mean that others may be arrested in relation to this case.

In practice, the suspended deputy police commissioner. This person was detained on Monday, has created no comment.

Meanwhile, the 59-year-old is due to appear in court again on 29 September for a bail application. Prosecutors are projected to oppose bail.

Notably, the state has additionally requested that the court change the prison where Sibiya will be held in the meantime as there are indications of a potential escape plan, national broadcaster SABC is reporting.

Meanwhile, the case comes as the police service is in the spotlight at a major public inquiry over allegations of corruption and collusion with criminals.

Meanwhile, the inquiry, known as the Madlanga Commission, began last September and has heard accusations that Sibiya received a gift of 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract. He denied the allegation. More stories from South Africa. From former 'street kid' key to South Africa's police corruption inquiry.

'Gifts' from a lover and 'botched' cocaine raids: Police inquiry grips South Africa. Grim discoveries of murdered women spark fear in South Africa.

Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.

In short, top South African policeman charged with sexual offences is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.