A South African court has denied bail to former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, ruling that his release could pose a risk to witnesses and undermine the investigation into multiple alleged sexual offences.
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court delivered the ruling on Tuesday, October 20, finding that Sibiya, 59, had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release pending trial. The court agreed with prosecutors that he could interfere with witnesses and tamper with evidence.
Sibiya faces charges including the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman, human trafficking for sexual exploitation and sexual grooming involving a 16-year-old girl. He has denied the charges, maintaining that his encounter with the adult complainant was consensual.
In explaining the decision, Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe cited evidence presented during the bail proceedings concerning alleged threats against witnesses and the handling of electronic evidence. The court heard that information had allegedly been deleted from a cellphone and that the teenage complainant had been asked to erase conversations.
The magistrate also considered allegations that Sibiya had threatened the teenage complainant’s family. Prosecutors argued that his release could compromise the safety of witnesses and interfere with the case. The defence challenged the state’s evidence and argued that the allegations were unfounded.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the ruling. Its spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, said prosecutors had presented the facts before the magistrate and were satisfied with the outcome. The authority said it expected to be ready for trial soon.
Sibiya resigned from the South African Police Service earlier in October, following his arrest in September. Police said his departure was treated as a dishonourable discharge because disciplinary proceedings were pending against him.
The former senior officer has also been questioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is examining allegations of corruption and criminal networks within the police service. Allegations raised in that separate inquiry include claims that he had links to suspected criminal figures and received money or gifts from them. Sibiya has denied wrongdoing.
The sexual offences case is scheduled to return to court on November 24 for further investigation. The denial of bail is not a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to determination through the criminal justice process.
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