Shadrack Sibiya Denied Bail As Court Cites Threats Against Teenager’s Father
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court has refused bail for former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, finding that he failed to establish exceptional circumstances warranting his release.
Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been denied bail after the Randburg Magistrates’ Court found that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release from custody.
In her judgment, Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe considered the state’s concerns that Sibiya could interfere with the case if released, including through his former position in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and alleged threats against the father of a 16-year-old complainant.
Sibiya, 59, is accused of sexually grooming the teenager and raping an 18-year-old woman. He faces charges including rape, sexual grooming, human trafficking and negligent handling of a firearm.
Delivering her ruling, Mkhasibe said the court had found that Sibiya had not met the requirements for bail.
“The finding of the court is that the applicant failed to show exceptional circumstances that permit his release on bail. As a result, he’ll remain in custody,” the magistrate said.
State Raises Concerns About Possible Interference
During the bail proceedings, the state argued that Sibiya’s former senior position in the police service gave him influence that could be used to interfere with the criminal case.
Prosecutors also raised concerns that the complainants and witnesses could face intimidation if he were released. The state alleged that some of Sibiya’s close associates had already attempted to intimidate the victims.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Alleged Victims Urge Court To Deny Shadrack Sibiya Bail, Citing Fears For Their Safety
However, Mkhasibe distinguished between the alleged conduct of Sibiya’s associates and actions that could be attributed directly to him. She emphasised that the friends had acted independently in their alleged attempts to intimidate the complainants, rather than on his instructions.
The distinction did not, however, resolve the court’s concerns about the separate allegations of threats against the father of the teenage complainant.
Magistrate Highlights Alleged Threats
Mkhasibe found that Sibiya had threatened the father of the 16-year-old complainant, rejecting the defence’s position that no threats had been made.
The magistrate described a second alleged threat as evidence of a concerning pattern of behaviour.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Civilian Secretariat Raises Alarm Over Rising Police Misconduct Claims
“The second threat establishes a dangerous pattern of behaviour. It shows intent, meaning the person was not just having a momentary lapse of judgment the first time. They genuinely mean to cause harm,” she said.
The finding formed part of the court’s consideration of the risks associated with releasing Sibiya while the criminal case remains pending.
Sibiya To Remain In Custody
The refusal of bail means Sibiya will remain in custody as the criminal proceedings continue.
The charges against him include allegations involving two complainants: the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman.
