Advocacy groups in South Africa have strongly criticized Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya's assertion that he had consensual sex with an 18-year-old girl he is accused of raping. Sibiya, the 59-year-old suspended deputy national police commissioner, appeared at the Randburg magistrate's court on Tuesday to apply for bail on charges of sexual offences. His claims have sparked widespread outrage.
Sibiya made a startling admission that he had sex with the teenager, who is 41 years his junior, after a night out drinking. However, the state alleges that Sibiya sexually groomed the 18-year-old and raped her at a hotel in Sandton after she became heavily intoxicated. According to the charge sheet, the 18-year-old had passed out when the alleged rape happened.
Advocacy groups argue that while an 18-year-old is legally considered an adult, they are still vulnerable to exploitation. Sarah Lekale, chairperson of the Free State GBV Forum, stated that government needs to change the age of consent, citing the lived experience of gender-based violence. Lekale noted that 18-year-old girls are often vulnerable and can be easily coerced into making wrong decisions.
Lentswe Laka Foundation founder Bridget Ramokone also expressed concerns about Sibiya's statements, raising serious questions about power, influence, and coercion. Ramokone emphasized that taking teens to strip clubs and hotels and providing them with alcohol before engaging in sex cannot be brushed off as consensual. The court must fully examine this case, she said.
Sibiya's affidavit, read out by his legal representative, disputes the state's version of events surrounding the alleged rape. He claimed that he and the 18-year-old had consensual intercourse in a hotel room. Sibiya also stated that he stayed in contact with the teenager afterwards and that she expressed an interest in meeting him again.
The state opposes Sibiya's bail application, which was postponed to Thursday to allow for consideration of the evidence presented during the hearing. Sibiya's lawyer argued that exceptional circumstances existed to justify his release on bail, including his willingness to pay R20,000 bail and his commitment to attending trial. Sibiya also faces a disciplinary hearing on Monday over corruption allegations.
The bail application and disciplinary hearing are significant developments in Sibiya's case. Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe stated that Sibiya will be served in the holding cells to attend the disciplinary hearing on October 5. If Sibiya remains in custody, the hearing will be organized at Kgosi Mampuru prison. The case has sparked widespread debate about power, influence, and coercion.
Key points
- - Advocacy groups condemn Sibiya's claim of consensual sex with an 18-year-old girl. - Sibiya's bail application was postponed to Thursday. - Sibiya faces a disciplinary hearing on Monday over corruption allegations.
