Bishop "Man of God" Maumela has retracted his claims against President Cyril Ramaphosa, the police, and the Madlanga Commission. He made the announcement on Wednesday, a day after making the allegations outside the Randburg Magistrate's Court. Maumela had warned of "retaliation" and political fallout if Ramaphosa failed to intervene directly in the case of embattled Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.
Maumela's remarks were made on Tuesday following Sibiya's appearance at the Randburg Magistrate's Court. He claimed to have been with Sibiya when police arrived to arrest him at a Sandton establishment and described them as close friends. Maumela alleged that Sibiya's arrest was politically motivated and linked to a power struggle within the South African Police Service (SAPS) over the succession to the country's top policing post.
The bishop also accused the authorities of targeting people who challenged institutional wrongdoing and compared the alleged conduct to political persecution during apartheid. However, on Wednesday, Maumela pulled back from those claims, issuing a statement withdrawing his remarks. He said he had not intended to threaten or intimidate anyone and accepted responsibility for the way he handled his media engagement.
Maumela apologized for his conduct and acknowledged that greater restraint was required, particularly because the criminal proceedings involved allegations concerning a minor. He said he had taken advice and accepted that sensitive matters should be approached with responsibility and respect for due process. As a result, he will no longer comment publicly on the case while the appropriate legal processes continue.
Sibiya faces several serious allegations, including the rape of an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel and grooming a 16-year-old girl. He is also accused of trafficking in persons, relating to allegations that victims were recruited and transported for sexual exploitation. The suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner remains in custody pending his formal bail hearing on September 29, 2026.
Maumela's retraction comes as Sibiya's case continues to unfold. The Madlanga Commission has been investigating allegations of corruption and wrongdoing within the SAPS. Sibiya's arrest and charges have raised questions about the integrity of the police and the extent of corruption within the institution.
The case against Sibiya is ongoing, with the bishop's retraction marking a significant development in the saga. Sibiya's bail hearing is set for September 29, 2026, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.
Key points
- Bishop Maumela retracted his threats against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the SAPS.
- The retraction comes amid allegations against Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
- Sibiya faces serious charges, including rape, grooming, and trafficking in persons.
