Former South African deputy police chief Shadrack Sibiya refused bail in sexual crimes case

South Africa’s former deputy national police commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, was denied bail on October 20 by the Randburg Magistrates Court, which ruled he failed to show exceptional circumstances to justify release.

Sibiya, 59, faces multiple serious charges including the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman, human trafficking, and sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) supported the court’s decision, highlighting concerns that his release could threaten witnesses and that he might flee the country.

The NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said, “We are not talking about happiness. All we can say is that justice has been served. Our job as the prosecutors is to give all the facts before the magistrate, and we have succeeded to give the facts.” The NPA also stated it would oppose any appeal against the ruling to ensure full justice.

Sibiya resigned from the police service earlier in October following his arrest in September. He denies all charges, asserting that his sexual encounter with the 18-year-old was consensual. Allegations include that he gave the woman alcohol before she lost consciousness and was raped at a Johannesburg hotel.

Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe noted evidence suggesting Sibiya might attempt to conceal evidence. Sibiya has also been implicated in a judicial commission investigating police corruption and alleged links to criminal networks, accused of receiving cash and gifts from these groups.