CCN

23 September 2026 | 17:55

JOHANNESBURG — Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya remains behind bars as the State prepares to oppose his bail application in a case involving allegations of rape, sexual grooming and trafficking.

Sibiya made his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

He faces five charges, including rape, two counts relating to sexual grooming, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and trafficking in persons, according to the charge sheet reported by Eyewitness News. (EWN⁠)

The allegations involve a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman.

Why Sibiya is being held at Kgosi Mampuru

One of the immediate questions following Sibiya’s appearance was why a senior police officer was being held at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre rather than a conventional police holding cell.

The National Prosecuting Authority says it has intelligence suggesting Sibiya could potentially attempt to escape.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the State would oppose bail.

“The bail application will happen on the 29th of September,” Kganyago said, adding that the prosecution would oppose bail based on the information placed before court. (EWN⁠)

State concerned about witnesses

The State has also raised concerns about possible witness intimidation.

According to the prosecution, people close to Sibiya could potentially interfere with witnesses.

Kganyago said the priority was protecting those witnesses.

“You might have heard that they might be [other] people working with him to try and intimidate the witnesses,” he said.

The State’s position will become particularly important during the formal bail application.

The defence will have an opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s allegations and arguments.

What does the State allege?

The prosecution alleges that Sibiya sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl who was the daughter of someone known to him.

The charge sheet reportedly alleges that explicit images were sent to the girl.

The State further alleges that the girl and an 18-year-old friend were taken to a Sandton strip club before they were allegedly taken to a hotel.

The 18-year-old woman is allegedly the victim of rape.

These allegations have not been proven in court.

Sibiya’s connection to the wider policing controversy

The case comes while Sibiya’s name has already featured prominently in South Africa’s ongoing debate around policing, criminality and alleged interference within law enforcement.

He has also appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

His criminal case is separate from the commission’s work.

The criminal court will determine the charges against him based on evidence presented through the criminal justice process.

29 September becomes the next major date

Sibiya’s formal bail application is scheduled for 29 September.

The prosecution is expected to present its arguments for continued detention.

The defence is expected to respond.

The court will then have to consider the relevant legal requirements before making a decision.

Until then, Sibiya remains in custody.

He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

What happens next?

29 September: Formal bail application
State position: Opposes bail
Current custody: Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre
Charges: Five, including rape, grooming-related charges and trafficking
Investigation: Ongoing

The allegations against Sibiya have not been tested and proven in court. Crime Connect will report the court proceedings as they unfold.