The Randburg Magistrate's Court has heard that Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela is providing spiritual support to the family of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya. Sibiya, 59, faces five charges, including rape, sexual grooming, and human trafficking. He was arrested last week following an investigation by the Commission Recommendations Task Team (CRTT). The State alleges that Sibiya raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on May 16 after she was given alcohol and lost consciousness.
Sibiya's son, Ofentse Saul Sibiya, told the court that his father was being supported by Bishop Maumela, who arrived at the family's residence on September 21 to offer condolences and spiritual support after Sibiya's arrest. Ofentse said he had gone to his father's home that day to see him and receive instructions regarding the family and the situation but was not allowed to speak to him before he was taken into custody.
According to Ofentse's affidavit, read in court by advocate Estelle Killian SC, Bishop Maumela had spoken to the complainant but did not obtain any information from the conversation. Ofentse said he could not recall the exact time when Maumela told him this and only became aware of the complainant's identity on September 23. Maumela had previously defended Sibiya against the allegations, saying he was being targeted and that the charges formed part of a succession battle within the South African Police Service.
Ofentse said he was at court with Maumela on September 22, where Maumela was speaking to members of the media. He thanked Maumela for the support he showed his father and the family. Ofentse said he spoke to Maumela about various matters relating to Sibiya's arrest and the court proceedings. Maumela left the court at about noon due to other commitments.
The family did not have an opportunity to visit Sibiya immediately after his arrest. On September 28, Ofentse received a telephone call from his father from the correctional facility, and on September 30, he personally and physically spoke to his father for the first time after his arrest. Ofentse said Maumela had acted of his own accord and that his contact with the complainant was not authorised by Sibiya or the family.
Ofentse provided the affidavit to place before the court the facts within his knowledge concerning Maumela's contact with the complainant. He said Maumela was providing spiritual support to the family and that his contact with the complainant was not made at the request or instruction of Sibiya or the family.
The court heard that allegations of witness interference were levelled against Sibiya, and Ofentse aimed to provide clarity on Maumela's actions. Sibiya has denied the allegations against him. His bail application is ongoing.
Key points
- Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela provided spiritual support to the family of Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya.
- Maumela's contact with the complainant was not authorised by Sibiya or the family.
- Sibiya faces five charges, including rape, sexual grooming, and human trafficking.
