Shadrack Sibiya Denied Bail As Court Cites Threats Against Minor’s Father

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 warranting his release.

The 59-year-old faces charges including rape, sexual grooming, human trafficking and negligent handling of a firearm. He is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old minor and raping an 18-year-old.

In her judgment, Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe found that Sibiya had threatened the father of the 16-year-old, rejecting the defence’s position that no threats had been made.

The ruling means Sibiya will remain in custody pending his return to court on 24 November.

Court Considers Risk Of Interference

During the bail proceedings, the State argued that Sibiya’s former senior position in the South African Police Service gave him the influence to interfere with the criminal case if released.

Prosecutors further contended that he could intimidate victims and witnesses, alleging that some of his close friends had already attempted to do so.

However, Mkhasibe distinguished between the alleged conduct of Sibiya’s associates and his own actions. She emphasised that the friends had acted independently in their attempts to intimidate the victims and had not done so on his instructions.

The magistrate nevertheless found that Sibiya himself had threatened the father of the 16-year-old, a finding that weighed against his release.

Magistrate Highlights Pattern Of Threats

Explaining the significance of the threats, Mkhasibe said: “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.”

Her findings addressed a central issue in the bail application: whether Sibiya’s release would pose a risk to the proceedings and those involved in the case.

The State had relied on his previous position in the police service and the alleged intimidation of victims and witnesses to argue against bail. The court’s findings included a direct threat attributed to Sibiya, while making clear that the actions of his friends had not been shown to have occurred on his instructions.

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Delivering the decision, Mkhasibe said: “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.”

Sibiya is due to return to court on 24 November as the criminal proceedings continue.