Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya's bail hearing resumed at the Randburg Magistrates Court, with his attorney Rishaad Moosa being cross-examined by the State. Moosa denied ever attempting to help Sibiya evade arrest. Sibiya is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl and raping an 18-year-old woman. The State claims Sibiya knew about his imminent arrest before it happened and had written to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to inquire about the investigation.
According to the State, Sibiya's lawyer had written to the NPA to seek clarity on claims that his client was under investigation. However, his lawyer, Estelle Killian, clarified that the letter was written to avoid a spectacle, not to evade arrest. The State also claims that Sibiya's close friend, Bishop Hangwisani Maumela, may have attempted to intimidate witnesses and the minor's father. The prosecution argued that Sibiya isn't fit to be out on bail.
Sibiya's bail hearing has been ongoing, with the State presenting several charges against him, including negligent handling of a firearm. The suspended top cop has admitted to a sexual encounter with a teenager but denies the rape allegation. His lawyers have been questioning the State's evidence, and the court has heard details of explicit WhatsApps between Sibiya and the minor.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is prosecuting the case, and the State has presented documentation suggesting that Sibiya knew about his imminent arrest before it happened. The court has also heard that Sibiya's lawyer, Rishaad Moosa, was called to his home during a police raid shortly after his arrest last week. The State claims that Moosa's involvement was an attempt to help Sibiya evade arrest.
Sibiya's case has garnered significant attention, with many of his colleagues and the public expressing support for him. However, the State has maintained that the evidence against him is strong and that he should not be granted bail. The court will continue to hear arguments from both sides before making a decision on Sibiya's bail application.
The case has also raised concerns about police misconduct and the handling of sensitive investigations. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has registered around 300 cases of police misconduct linked to gender-based violence and femicide in 2025/26. The Madlanga Commission has also placed Sibiya at the premises of an alleged criminal syndicate.
The court will continue to hear evidence and arguments in the coming days. Sibiya's lawyers will need to convince the court that he is fit to be out on bail and that the State's evidence is not sufficient to secure a conviction. The State, on the other hand, will need to demonstrate that Sibiya poses a risk to the community and that his release would compromise the investigation.
Key points
- Sibiya's lawyer denies helping him evade arrest
- The State claims Sibiya knew about his imminent arrest before it happened
- Sibiya's bail hearing is ongoing, with the court to decide on his bail application
