South Africa's deputy police chief has resigned three weeks after he was charged with sexual offences.
A lawyer representing Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya submitted his resignation letter at his disciplinary hearing on Monday, a police spokesperson said.
Sibiya, 59, also faces accusations of links to organised crime bosses – allegations that prompted his suspension last year.
He denies those allegations, as well as charges that he groomed a 16‑year‑old girl and raped an 18‑year‑old woman. He also faces a charge of human trafficking.
Sibiya said his sexual encounter with the 18‑year‑old was consensual.
He has been in custody since he was arrested three weeks ago.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said his departure from the police force was regarded as a dishonourable discharge because he was still facing a disciplinary case when he resigned.
The accusations that Sibiya was linked to crime bosses emerged during a major public inquiry known as the Madlanga Commission, set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa after a police chief accused the former police minister of colluding with criminal gangs.
Sibiya was accused of interfering with investigations into political killings in KwaZulu‑Natal province and of receiving cash and 20 impalas from an alleged criminal kingpin in exchange for a police contract. He denies the allegation.
The Madlanga Commission has drawn widespread attention over the past year and uncovered broad allegations of links between police officers and crime bosses.
Mchunu, the suspended police minister, denies the allegations against him and remains officially suspended.
