Former police lieutenant general Shadrack Sibiya was denied bail in the Randburg Magistrates Court. Image credit @Crimewatch_SA on x
Former police lieutenant general Shadrack Sibiya will remain behind bars after the Randburg Magistrates Court denied him bail on Tuesday. With Shadrack Sibiya denied bail, the 59 year old will stay in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe ruled that the interests of justice do not permit his release. According to the court, Sibiya “failed to show exceptional circumstances that permit the applicant’s release on bail.” The magistrate also said the State’s case appeared strong.
The court raised serious concerns about witness intimidation and evidence tampering. In her ruling, the magistrate said, “He destroyed evidence, threatened the witnesses.”
Why Shadrack Sibiya was denied bail
During the bail hearing, prosecutor Velile Makasana strongly opposed his release. The State told the court that someone allegedly wiped Sibiya’s cellphones shortly before his arrest. Prosecutors also played an audio recording that allegedly contained threats against the complainant’s family.
On the other side, defence advocate Estelle Killian argued that the State had not shown good reason to keep him in custody. Sibiya himself described the State’s case as weak. He also accused the authorities of abusing their powers when they arrested and investigated him.
Sibiya faces six charges in total. These include three counts of sexual grooming of a minor, which allegedly took place electronically between July and August this year. He also faces one count of rape involving an adult, which allegedly happened in May. In addition, the State has charged him with human trafficking for sexual exploitation and a firearm offence. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
For readers catching up, Sibiya is one of the most senior police officers ever to face criminal charges in South Africa. He previously served as deputy national commissioner responsible for crime detection. He resigned from the police service on 12 October, about three weeks after his arrest.
A special task team arrested him on 21 September in Sandton. The team works on recommendations from the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating claims that criminal networks have infiltrated the police and justice system. Several witnesses at the commission have made serious allegations against Sibiya. He has denied any wrongdoing.
The case will return to court on 24 November for further investigation.
Commentary across social media platforms has largely welcomed the ruling. Many users said the decision shows that no one is above the law. Others, however, have pointed out that Sibiya remains innocent until proven guilty.
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