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's affidavit detailed that she declined the proposal, fearing a setup, and the apostle visited her home the next day for a prayer session with her family. The pastor reiterated Mr M's desire to meet and withdraw the charges, adding that Mr M felt pressured by individuals named "Mr Khumalo" and "Mkhwanazi" to provide more information about Sibiya. Dlamini again declined, advising the apostle that her family did not wish to meet with Mr M.
Later that evening, Dlamini received a missed call from Mr M, which she recorded with her husband's mother before returning the call. During the call, Mr M allegedly asked if she recognised his voice and explained his reasons for laying the charges. He confirmed he had contacted the apostle to arrange a meeting with the family, which Dlamini reiterated she had no interest in.
On October 2, Mr M sent Dlamini several WhatsApp messages, including a lengthy text, two images, and a voice note. In the messages, Mr M expressed frustration over how Sibiya's defence was presenting him in court. Viewing the messages as threatening, Dlamini blocked his number and ceased all communication. She 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 opposed by the state on allegations that he attempted to intimidate and influence Mr M. The state had argued that Sibiya's actions posed a risk to the investigation and the safety of the complainant.
The matter has been postponed to Tuesday for further hearing, with the court to consider the affidavits and other evidence presented. Sibiya's legal team argued that the affidavits demonstrate that he did not attempt to intimidate or influence Mr M, but rather that Mr M initiated contact to withdraw the charges.
Key points
- Sizakele Dlamini submits affidavit claiming Mr M wanted to withdraw charges against her husband.
- Dlamini's affidavit details phone calls and messages from Mr M and a church figure.
- The court received a corroborating affidavit from Sibiya's cousin, Victor Monamodi.
