JOHANNESBURG — A South African court has denied bail to former deputy police chief Shadrack Sibiya, who is facing serious sexual offense charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming of a minor. The ruling was made by the Randburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, which determined that Sibiya should remain in custody while awaiting trial. Prosecutors argued that releasing him could pose a threat to witnesses.
Sibiya, who resigned from the police service earlier this month following his arrest in September, is also embroiled in broader investigations into police misconduct. He has been implicated in a judicial commission of inquiry that is examining allegations of widespread corruption within the South African police force, and purported connections to local criminal networks. He has denied all allegations against him.
The court found that Sibiya did not present exceptional circumstances to warrant his release on bail. In its decision, the court echoed concerns from prosecutors regarding the risk he posed to potential witnesses in the case.
The police have indicated that Sibiya’s resignation is viewed as a dishonorable discharge, which further complicates his legal situation. In the ongoing inquiry, chaired by retired Judge Mbuyiseni Madlanga, Sibiya has been accused of receiving significant amounts of money and gifts from alleged members of criminal organizations.
As the situation develops, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed confidence in their case. NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago stated, “We are comfortable that the evidence that we put before the court is good enough, and that is why we got the ruling that we got today.” The NPA has indicated that they are preparing for trial, but no date has been set yet.
