Suspended deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing charges of sexually grooming a minor, child trafficking, and rape. According to the state, Sibiya allegedly sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl between July and August and raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel in May. The matter was postponed until 29 September for a bail hearing.
Sibiya will remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru correctional facility until the bail hearing, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said. The state opposed bail, citing concerns about possible witness intimidation and arguing that it had evidence suggesting Sibiya could escape if held at a police station. Kganyago confirmed that Sibiya would be held at the correctional facility until 29 September.
Sibiya was arrested on Monday at a strip club by members of the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team investigating evidence from the Madlanga commission. He began his police career as a student constable, climbing up through the ranks to become the country’s second-highest-ranking police officer. However, his career has been marred by controversy.
Sibiya has faced accusations of accepting regular payments from alleged Big Five cartel leader, Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi, and conceded to have met Vusimuzi “CAT” Matlala who required assistance in the Medicare24 contract. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi previously accused Sibiya of removing 120 dockets from the Political Killings Task Team at the behest of criminal cartels.
Sibiya has denied the allegations, describing them as fabrications arising from internal power struggles in the South African Police Service (SAPS). His associate, Bishop Lawrence Maumela defended Sibiya outside the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, saying he had been arrested as part of a “succession battle” in the SAPS.
Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed Sibiya’s arrest on charges relating to sexual offences. Dimpane stated that police officers are entrusted with protecting women and children and cannot themselves be implicated in conduct that undermines this responsibility.
Dimpane emphasized that rank, position or seniority should not place anyone above the law. She added that where credible allegations of criminal conduct are brought against a police officer, they must be investigated without fear or favour. Sibiya's case has highlighted concerns about accountability within the police service.
Key points
- Sibiya faces charges of sexual grooming, child trafficking, and rape.
- The matter was postponed until 29 September for a bail hearing.
- Sibiya will remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru correctional facility until the bail hearing.
