Alleged Victims Urge Court To Deny Shadrack Sibiya Bail, Citing Fears For Their Safety
Two complainants in the case against former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya have told the court they fear for their lives and the safety of their families if he is released on bail.
Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find upsetting.
Two complainants in the rape and sexual grooming case against former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya have urged the court to keep him in custody, saying his release on bail would leave them fearing for their safety and that of their families.
Their concerns were presented in victim statements read by state prosecutor Velile Makasana during bail proceedings at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe had directed the state to obtain affidavits from the complainants to assist the court in considering Sibiya’s bail application. Both statements described the emotional impact of the case and the fear associated with the possibility of his release.
Teenager Says Alleged Threats Have Left Her Afraid
The 16-year-old complainant, identified in court as ZM, said she was under witness protection and had met with investigating officer Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu on Tuesday, 13 October, to discuss her feelings about the prospect of Sibiya being granted bail.
In her affidavit, ZM described experiencing heightened anxiety during the meeting and said the fear had persisted since the case began.
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“As she was talking to me, my anxiety levels went high, and I became afraid. Anxiety is what I feel every day ever since the case commenced,” her statement read.
She attributed her fears partly to Sibiya’s senior position in the police service and alleged threats against her father.
“This is based on the knowledge that Ntate [Mr] Sibiya is a senior police officer and has made threats to my father,” the affidavit stated.
ZM said she felt unsafe at the prospect of his release and feared that her family could face further danger because she had reported the matter.
“I feel my entire family will be exposed to more danger and I would blame myself as I am the one who reported the matter,” she said.
The teenager is the daughter of Sibiya’s alleged former bodyguard and driver, identified in court as Mr M. Her father has separately alleged that Sibiya threatened to “wipe out” his family after the matter was reported to police.
Sibiya is accused of sexually grooming the teenager, an allegation he has denied.
Second Complainant Describes Emotional Distress
The second complainant, identified as MC and aged 18, also urged the court to consider her safety when deciding whether to grant bail.
In her affidavit, MC said she had struggled with suicidal thoughts since an alleged rape incident said to have occurred on 16 May 2026. She told the court she feared what might happen if Sibiya were released.
“I have also told Sergeant Ndlovu that I wouldn’t wait for any future torture should he be released on bail because something worse than what he had done could happen,” her statement read.
“He will therefore find me dead already as I have already suffered enough.”
MC said she believed her release-related fears would leave her feeling betrayed by the justice system and exposed to further harm.
She also alleged that a friend had told her the defence approached the friend to make a statement contradicting her evidence. According to MC, the friend refused.
“This is the kind of interference that is currently at play with such a sensitive case,” she said.
The complainant added that the case had affected her daily life, restricting her movements and activities, as well as those of her friends. She also expressed concern about the safety of her family.
The allegations concerning possible interference with a witness remain claims contained in the complainant’s statement and should not be treated as established findings.
Sibiya Faces Multiple Charges
Sibiya faces charges including sexual grooming, human trafficking, rape and contravention of the Firearms Control Act. He was arrested at The Grand strip club in Sandton on 21 September 2026.
According to the state’s allegations, sexually explicit material involving the minor was exchanged through WhatsApp between 20 July and 3 August 2026.
The charge sheet further alleges that Sibiya gave the 18-year-old complainant alcohol before she lost consciousness and was raped at the Garden Court Hotel in Sandton.
Sibiya has reportedly maintained that the 18-year-old consented to sex. The allegations remain subject to the criminal justice process, and the charges do not in themselves establish guilt.
Sibiya resigned from the South African Police Service on 12 October 2026, according to the information provided.
The bail proceedings place the complainants’ stated fears before the court as it considers whether Sibiya should be released from custody while the case continues. The court’s decision on bail was not included in the supplied material.
