Sizakele Dlamini, wife of suspended deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, has submitted an affidavit to the court claiming that "Mr M", the father of the complainant, reached out proposing a meeting to withdraw charges against her husband. Sibiya appeared before the Randburg magistrate's court for the continuation of his formal bail application, facing charges including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming. Dlamini's affidavit was presented to support her husband's bail application.
According to Dlamini's affidavit, she had a phone conversation with a person referred to as "the apostle", an assistant pastor at ECG Church, on September 23. The apostle informed her that Mr M wanted to visit her home to discuss Sibiya's arrest and was willing to drop the case. Dlamini stated that the apostle claimed Mr M felt troubled after seeing Sibiya weeping in court and was uncomfortable after certain individuals urged him to "give the guy to them".
Dlamini detailed that she declined the proposal, fearing a setup, and told the apostle that she was unwilling to speak with Mr M. The next day, the apostle visited Dlamini's home for a prayer session with her family, reiterating Mr M's desire to meet and withdraw the charges. Dlamini again declined, advising the apostle that her family did not wish to meet with Mr M and that he should proceed with the case.
On September 24, Dlamini received a missed call from Mr M, which she recorded with her husband's mother present. During the call, Mr M allegedly asked if she recognised his voice, explained his reasons for laying the charges, and confirmed he had contacted the apostle to arrange a meeting with the family. Dlamini reiterated that she had no interest in meeting him.
On October 2, Mr M sent Dlamini several WhatsApp messages, including a lengthy text, two images, and a voice note, expressing frustration over how Sibiya's defence was presenting him in court. Viewing the messages as threatening, Dlamini blocked his number and ceased all communication. In her statement, Dlamini emphasised that all contact was initiated by Mr M.
The court also received an affidavit from Victor Monamodi, Sibiya's cousin, corroborating Dlamini's account. The affidavits support Sibiya's bail application, which was presented after the state accused Sibiya of attempting to intimidate and influence Mr M. The matter has been postponed to Tuesday for further hearing.
Sibiya faces charges including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming, related to a 16-year-old child central to the grooming allegations. The case has garnered significant attention, with Dlamini's affidavit and Monamodi's corroborating statement adding new dimensions to the proceedings.
Key points
- Sizakele Dlamini claims Mr M initiated contact to withdraw charges against her husband.
- Dlamini's affidavit and a corroborating statement from Victor Monamodi support Sibiya's bail application.
- The case has been postponed to Tuesday for further hearing.
