NO BAIL | Shadrack Sibiya dealt crushing court blow
· The South African
Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will remain behind bars after the Randburg Magistrate’s Court denied his bail application on Tuesday, 20 October.
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The 59-year-old faces serious charges, including rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe ruled that Sibiya failed to prove exceptional circumstances justifying his release.
COURT DENIES SHADRACK SIBIYA BAIL
Mkhasibe raised concerns about alleged witness intimidation and the destruction of evidence during her ruling.
“The finding of the court is that the applicant failed to show exceptional circumstances that permit the applicant’s release on bail. As a result, bail is refused,” she said.
WATCH | NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the outcome of Shadrack Sibiya's bail application is in line with what the prosecution had sought, adding that the State is ready to proceed should there be an appeal or as the matter moves toward trial. pic.twitter.com/oKQgZU7oHZ
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 20, 2026
The magistrate also referred to allegations that Sibiya threatened the family of a 16-year-old girl he is accused of sexually grooming.
The State argued that releasing the former police boss could place witnesses at risk and compromise the investigation.
The court found that Sibiya’s alleged conduct raised concerns about possible interference with evidence.
“There is no bail condition that can be imposed to ensure that he complies,” the court said.
R20 000 BAIL OFFER FAILS
Sibiya’s legal team had proposed bail of R20 000, arguing that strict conditions could address the State’s concerns.
His lawyer, advocate Estelle Kilian SC, also offered to surrender his passport and ensure he had no contact with witnesses.
However, the court rejected the proposal.
The ruling followed three weeks of arguments during which prosecutors presented evidence relating to the alleged offences.
Sibiya is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel and sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl.
He has denied the allegations, maintaining that his sexual encounter with the older complainant was consensual.
The former general also faces a firearm-related charge arising from his arrest.
WHEN WILL SIBIYA RETURN TO COURT?
Sibiya, who was arrested on 21 September, remains detained at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria.
He resigned from the South African Police Service on 12 October amid disciplinary proceedings.
His criminal case has been postponed to 24 November 2026 for further investigations.
Sibiya remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.