World · Africa · 5 hrs ago
South African court denies bail to former deputy police chief Sibiya
A Randburg court denied bail to Shadrack Sibiya, a former deputy national police commissioner in South Africa.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhabise said releasing him could lead to witness interference and evidence being destroyed.
The case includes allegations involving a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman.
Sibiya faces six charges, including rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The magistrate said the teenager could be vulnerable to pressure and cited alleged efforts to delete communications and wipe phones.
Sibiya disputes the charges, and the allegations have not been decided at trial.
He will remain in custody while the case proceeds.
A Randburg Magistrate’s Court denied bail to former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhabise said his release could lead to witness intimidation and the destruction of evidence.
Sibiya faces six charges, including rape, sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
- Who
- Shadrack Sibiya, a former deputy national police commissioner, was denied bail.
- What
- The court refused his bail application, citing risks of witness interference and evidence destruction.
- When
- The ruling was reported on 20 October 2026.
- Where
- Randburg Magistrate’s Court, South Africa.
- Why
- The magistrate found a likelihood that Sibiya would influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
The state
Sibiya’s defence
Witnesses
The state
The state argued that Sibiya could influence witnesses, particularly the 16-year-old complainant.
Sibiya’s defence
The defence argued that the state had not established sufficient grounds to keep him in custody.
Evidence
The state
The state cited allegedly wiped cellphones and an audio recording allegedly containing threats.
Sibiya’s defence
Sibiya disputed the charges and argued that the state’s case was weak.
Communications with the teenager
The state
The state presented evidence that Sibiya secretly communicated sexually with the girl and requested explicit videos.
Sibiya’s defence
The defence maintained that the communications were voluntary and not solicited by Sibiya.
Sibiya’s alleged encounter with an 18-year-old woman took place at a Sandton hotel; he maintains it was consensual.
Sibiya was arrested at The Grand, an upmarket strip club and restaurant.
The state opposed Sibiya’s release, citing concerns about witness intimidation and interference with the investigation.
The Randburg Magistrate’s Court refused bail and ordered Sibiya to remain in custody.
- Accused
- Shadrack Sibiya
- Court
- Randburg Magistrate’s Court
- Charges
- Six, including rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking for sexual exploitation
- Complainant
- A 16-year-old girl
- Arrest location
- The Grand
- Bail ruling
- Refused; Sibiya is to remain in custody
3 sources
What people are saying
The finding of the court is that the applicant failed to show exceptional circumstances that permit the applicant’s release on bail. As a result, bail is refused. The applicant is to remain in custody.
His destruction of evidence on his phone demonstrates the likelihood that he will tamper with any evidence implicating him.