Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court for his bail application. The 59-year-old faces charges including rape, sexual grooming, human trafficking, and negligent possession of a firearm. He denies the allegations. The State alleges that Sibiya raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on May 15 after she was allegedly given alcohol and lost consciousness. Sibiya was arrested following an investigation by the Commission Recommendations Task Team.
The bail hearing revealed a dispute between Sibiya and the father of a 16-year-old girl at the centre of one of the charges against him. Sibiya's lawyer, Estelle Killian SC, presented an affidavit from Sibiya's cousin, Victor Monamudi, in support of the bail application. Monamudi said he had lived with Sibiya since about January 2026 and supported an affidavit filed by Sibiya's wife, Sizakele Dlamini. The affidavit mentioned an alleged R300,000 debt owed by Sibiya in connection with a GWM bakkie.
According to Monamudi, an apostle from the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church in Midrand, founded by self-proclaimed Prophet Sherpard Bushiri, said that the girl's father, referred to in court as Mr M, had approached him about the alleged debt. Mr M had provided invoices relating to the amount he claimed remained outstanding and had asked the apostle to facilitate a meeting with members of Sibiya's family. Monamudi stressed that he had not personally been present during the conversation between Mr M and the apostle.
The court heard that Sibiya's family subsequently agreed to distance itself from the matter. Monamudi said no family member had attempted to contact Mr M to offer money or negotiate payment in exchange for withdrawing the case. However, Mr M later attempted to call him on September 26, and Monamudi activated the recording function on his phone because he wanted an accurate record of any communication.
Dlamini's affidavit also dealt with an alleged attempt to have the case withdrawn. She said an apostle had told her that Mr M wanted to withdraw the charges after seeing Sibiya crying in court. Dlamini said she suspected the approach could be a set-up and told the apostle that he should continue with the case. She alleged that the apostle later told her Mr M was being pressured by people identified as "Khumalo and Mkhwanazi".
The court also heard about WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Mr M to Dlamini. In the messages, Mr M claimed to have gathered extensive information about Sibiya's movements, meetings, and interactions with various people. He said he had photographs, location records, recordings, and other documentation that he intended to provide to investigators. Mr M claimed the information went beyond the criminal case involving Sibiya and referred to businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, politicians, senior officials, and people who had allegedly disappeared.
The State is opposing bail, saying it has a strong case against Sibiya. The bail hearing continues to unfold, revealing a complex web of allegations and counter-allegations. Sibiya's defence team is challenging the allegations, and the court will ultimately decide on his bail application. The case has garnered significant attention due to Sibiya's high-profile position and the serious nature of the charges against him.
Key points
- The bail hearing of Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya reveals a dispute involving an alleged R300,000 vehicle debt and secret recordings.
- The State alleges that Sibiya committed various crimes, including rape, sexual grooming, and human trafficking.
- Sibiya's defence team challenges the allegations, presenting affidavits and evidence to support their client's bail application.
