In a development that would be darkly comedic if it weren't so grim, one of South Africa's most senior police officers has been charged with raping an 18-year-old woman and grooming a 16-year-old girl. Because nothing says "protect and serve" like allegedly doing the exact opposite.

Shadrack Sibiya, who was already suspended from his role as deputy national police commissioner over allegations he interfered with political killings investigations, was arrested on Monday. He now faces charges of rape, people trafficking, promoting the sexual grooming of a child, and two counts of grooming a child. That's quite the résumé for someone whose job description presumably includes "upholding the law."

Sibiya appeared briefly in a Johannesburg court on Tuesday, then was whisked off to prison in Pretoria ahead of a bail hearing on 29 September. Prosecutors argued he was an escape risk - because when you're accused of multiple serious crimes, apparently fleeing is considered a possibility.

This comes as South Africa reels from the discovery of nine women's bodies across Ekurhuleni, the municipality east of Johannesburg, in September. Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission judicial inquiry has spent the last year examining allegations of corruption and criminality within the police. So, business as usual, then.

Puleng Dimpane, the acting national police commissioner, said: "Police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children. They cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility. As the country continues to confront the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, there can be no room for anyone within the police service who is alleged to abuse their position or violate the rights of women and children." A statement that would be more reassuring if it weren't necessary in the first place.

Sibiya is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in May in the Sandton business district of Johannesburg. According to the charge sheet, the alleged rape took place "whilst she was passed out due to intoxication administered by the accused." The alleged grooming of the 16-year-old girl occurred over WhatsApp between 20 July and 3 August, and allegedly included Sibiya sending the girl naked photos of herself, which she had not sent to him. Because nothing says "respect for boundaries" like unsolicited intimate images.

Sibiya did not enter a plea at Tuesday's hearing. His lawyer told the court they needed more time to consult with and get instructions from him, according to News24. Take your time - it's not like there's a public trust to rebuild.

Firoz Cachalia, the acting police minister, said: "We strongly condemn the alleged conduct. Where allegations of sexual offences are made against a member of the service, they must be investigated without fear or favour." A sentiment that would carry more weight if the service weren't already under a cloud of suspicion.

When Sibiya appeared before the Madlanga Commission in February, he denied allegations that he had moved 121 political killings investigations from KwaZulu-Natal province to the national head office without explanation. He also denied receiving a gift of 20 impalas from Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a businessman who received an allegedly fraudulent 360m rand (£16.7m) police health services contract soon after the alleged gift. Matlala, who has been charged with attempted murder, alongside several other charges including fraud and money laundering, declined to comment on the impalas when he appeared at the Madlanga Commission in August. He said he did not want to incriminate himself as the matter was under investigation. Because who wouldn't want to avoid discussing a herd of impalas that may or may not have been a bribe?

So, to recap: a top cop accused of rape and grooming, a police force under investigation for corruption, and a country grappling with gender-based violence. It's a lot to unpack, but at least the impalas are safe.