Johannesburg – Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been denied bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in a case involving allegations of rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe delivered the ruling on Tuesday, 20 October, finding that Sibiya had failed to establish sufficient grounds for his release pending trial.
In her ruling, Mkhasibe highlighted the responsibility entrusted to police officers and questioned the allegations against the former senior official.
“All right-thinking members of any civilised society do not expect the police to be involved in crime,” she said.
Sibiya, 59, will remain in custody at Pretoria’s Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre until his next court appearance on 24 November.
BREAKING NEWS | The court has denied bail to former Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, finding that he failed to demonstrate the exceptional circumstances. https://t.co/q2hSe8XrWH
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 20, 2026
Charges and allegations
The former police chief faces three counts of sexual grooming, one count of human trafficking and one count of rape. The grooming allegations concern a 16-year-old girl, while the rape charge relates to an alleged incident involving an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel in May.
Sibiya has denied the charges and claimed he is being persecuted.
The state opposed his release, arguing that evidence presented during the bail proceedings pointed to a deliberate build-up to the alleged rape.
SIBIYA BAIL | The magistrate says Shadrack Sibiya will not suffer financial hardship if denied bail, noting that his business is managed by family members and that he has access to pension benefits and medical care. https://t.co/wxyp34a9ni
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 20, 2026
“There is evidence that there was a clear build-up plan to the ultimate rape, that eventually took place at the hotel,” prosecutor Velile Makasana told the court.
The prosecution also raised concerns about potential witness interference and the safety of the complainants.
However, Sibiya’s defence argued that the state’s case was weak and that strict bail conditions could address concerns about possible interference. His lawyer, advocate Estelle Kilian SC, offered R20,000 bail and tendered his passport.
[WATCH] The court states that if Shadrack #Sibiya is released on bail, there is a likelihood he might contact the “vulnerable” 16-year-old complainant and influence her. #Newzroom405 https://t.co/ozdugOIEUl
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 20, 2026
The case follows Sibiya’s arrest on 21 September at The Grand strip club in Sandton by the Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Task Team. He resigned from the South African Police Service on 12 October.
Earlier reporting detailed evidence presented during the proceedings, including alleged WhatsApp exchanges between Sibiya and the teenager.
The bail ruling does not determine Sibiya’s guilt. The allegations will be tested through the criminal justice process.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
