Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya was transferred to the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria after the National Prosecuting Authority said it had received intelligence indicating that he could potentially attempt to escape if held at a police station or Johannesburg Central Correctional Centre. NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that this intelligence was presented to the court.
The State has also raised concerns about possible interference with witnesses and victims. According to eNCA, prosecutors told the court that information had been received about a possible attempt to intimidate a witness, including a voice note reportedly received on Tuesday afternoon. The NPA says these concerns will form part of its opposition to bail.
Sibiya faces five charges, including rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexual grooming of a child. The allegations relate to incidents between May and August 2026 involving an adult woman and a 16-year-old girl. The allegations have not been tested in court.
His formal bail application is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 September 2026, and the State has indicated that it will oppose bail.
Important distinction: the NPA is saying it received intelligence suggesting a possible escape; that does not mean Sibiya has been found guilty of attempting to escape. Likewise, the witness-interference claims are allegations being raised by the State as part of the bail proceedings.