By Mapaballo Borotho
- The Randburg Magistrates Court has heard that teenagers who accused suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of sexual offences fear for their lives.
- The investigating officer has urged the court to deny Sibiya bail, arguing that his influence could allow him to interfere with witnesses.
- Sibiya has denied the allegations as his bail application continues.
The Randburg Magistrates Court has heard that teenagers who have accused suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of sexual offences fear for their lives.
The State is opposing Sibiya’s release on bail, with investigating officer Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu telling the court that his release could place witnesses at risk.
Ndlovu detailed the concerns during Sibiya’s bail hearing on Thursday, 1 October, saying she had been in contact with the families of the complainants following their allegations.
The investigating officer described Sibiya as a person of influence who could potentially interfere with witnesses if released on bail.
The court also heard that one of the teenagers allegedly attempted to take her own life.
Ndlovu further told the court that there was evidence suggesting Sibiya could pose a risk to the complainants, who are known to him and whose contact details he allegedly has.
Sibiya is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and raping an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel.
The State alleges that Sibiya requested intimate photographs and sexually explicit material from the 16-year-old.
The investigating officer also read out WhatsApp exchanges between Sibiya and the teenager, which the State says demonstrate his alleged sexual advances towards her.
In one exchange, Ndlovu told the court that Sibiya allegedly texted the teenager:
“I remember you promised something,” to which she responded that she remembered and would keep her promise.
The State has further alleged that Sibiya raped the 18-year-old at a Sandton hotel while she was unconscious after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.
Sibiya has denied sexually assaulting the complainants. During his bail application, he acknowledged having sexual intercourse with the 18-year-old but maintained that it was consensual.
Sibiya allegedly lied to gain access to strip club
On Friday morning, 2 October, the court heard further allegations about the events leading up to Sibiya’s arrest.
The investigating officer told the court that Sibiya allegedly asked two of the young women to pretend that it was one of their birthdays and that they were accompanied by their father to gain access to a Sandton venue.
Ndlovu said this was because the women were under 21, while the defence disputed aspects of the State’s version, arguing that the women were taken to the restaurant rather than the strip club.
The State has alleged that Sibiya took the young women to a strip club, where they were encouraged to drink before they were taken to a nearby hotel.
The court has also previously heard evidence of a recorded conversation involving Sibiya’s close friend, Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela, who allegedly discussed finding and speaking to the 18-year-old complainant.
The State has raised this as part of its argument that Sibiya could interfere with witnesses if released on bail. The NPA has, however, said it cannot yet confirm whether Maumela will face charges and that the matter remains under investigation.
Sibiya’s bail application continues.
The case has raised concerns amid South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence and sexual violence.
Questions around the alleged conduct of a senior police officer have added to wider concerns about trust in institutions tasked with protecting women and children.
The developments come as South Africans continue to call for stronger accountability and more effective responses to GBV and sexual offences.
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