SIBIYA TO SPEND WEEKEND BEHIND BARS AS BAIL HEARING POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY
By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief
The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.
AZANIAFROCOMEDIA – The Catalyst of Impact
Randburg | 2 October 2026 |
Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya will spend the weekend behind bars after his bail application was postponed to next week Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Friday, 2 October, for the continuation of his bail application under Schedule 6.
The State is opposing bail. Prosecutor Velile Makasana argued that complainants fear Sibiya due to his senior rank and influence within the SAPS, and that there is a risk of witness interference.
The lead investigating officer, Warrant Officer Nokukhanya Ndlovu, was cross-examined by the defence led by Advocate Amanda Nel.
During Friday's proceedings, the State introduced new audio evidence to support its opposition to bail. According to court reporting, one recording allegedly captured Sibiya in a conversation with the father of a complainant.
In the recording played in court, Sibiya is heard saying: "The easiest person to deal with is you. I can deal with you very quickly and easily." The recording also referenced past financial assistance Sibiya said he had provided.
The State is relying on the recording to argue intimidation and potential witness interference.
A second recording was also played, which the State said allegedly related to attempts to influence the outcome of the case. The audio was unclear in open court.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe ordered that certified translations of both recordings be prepared and submitted when the matter resumes next week. The defence said it would deal with the recordings later, describing them as new evidence.
On the broader bail issues, the defence challenged the State's evidence regarding the venue known as The Grand, arguing it operates as a restaurant and hotel.
Sibiya faces five serious charges including rape, sexual grooming, promotion of sexual grooming and human trafficking. A sixth charge of negligent handling of a firearm was added on Thursday, 1 October. Two additional SAPS disciplinary notices have also been served on him while in custody.
His legal team, including Advocate Rishaad Moosa, told the court Sibiya intends to plead not guilty. Moosa said they had written to the National Director of Public Prosecutions before Sibiya's arrest on 21 September after speculation on social media, to establish whether an investigation existed and to protect his rights.
The defence argued Sibiya did not attempt to evade arrest.
The matter was briefly delayed on Thursday due to a technical fault with the recording equipment, leading to the roll-over to Friday. On Friday, the State indicated it needed to complete its representations, leading to the postponement to Wednesday.
Sibiya, arrested on 21 September by the Commission Recommendations Task Team linked to the Madlanga Commission, remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in the C-Max facility.
The bail application will resume at the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 7 October.
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