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Randburg court denies former deputy police commissioner Sibiya bail

Published

Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe found that Shadrack Sibiya, 59, failed to show exceptional circumstances for release. He faces charges of rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking, and the case returns to court on 24 November.

Mkhasibe said Sibiya wiped all information on his cellphone and told the 16-year-old complainant to delete their conversations. She said this showed he could tamper with evidence. Sibiya has been in custody since his arrest on 21 September.

The state said Sibiya threatened the complainant's family and her father, known as Mr M. Mkhasibe rejected the defence argument that his recorded words were not threats. She said: "When a person makes such utterances, there can never be any interpretation other than a threat of harm".

The defence said the charges were fabricated and the arrest was questionable. It relied on a statement by Sibiya's cousin, Victor Munamudi, who said Mr M wanted about R300,000 for a motorcycle and would withdraw the charges if paid. Sibiya's attorney, Amanda Nel, said Mr M should have been charged with human trafficking, not Sibiya.

The National Prosecuting Authority said it will investigate the alleged role of Mr M. Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the magistrate identified issues that need further investigation.

Key facts

Who
Shadrack Sibiya (Former top police officer, accused in the case, denied bail; resigned from the…); Hleziphi Mkhasibe (Magistrate who refused bail); Mr M (Complainant's father and state witness who laid charges against Sibiya); Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Sgt, investigating officer who recorded a conversation between Sibiya and Mr M)
What
In a judgment at the Randburg magistrate's court, magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe denied bail to Shadrack Sibiya, who is charged with rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking. She found he failed to show exceptional circumstances permitting his release, and the case was postponed to November 24.
When
20 October 2026
Where
Randburg, South Africa, Sandton
Status
Reported

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