Simon Majadibodu|Published
Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will spend at least another five days in custody before learning whether he is granted bail after the Randburg Magistrate’s Court postponed judgment on his bail application until next Tuesday.
The State is opposing bail, arguing that Sibiya could flee South Africa, intimidate witnesses, or interfere with evidence if released.
Sibiya appeared in court on Thursday as his bail application entered its third week, with prosecutor Velile Makhasana continuing to outline the State’s arguments against his release.
The State alleges that Sibiya threatened a man identified in court as Mr M, the father of a 16-year-old girl whom he is accused of sexually grooming.
Makhasana argued that the alleged threats demonstrated resentment towards Mr M and raised concerns about witness safety.
Sibiya denies the allegations against him.
The charges include the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on May 15, who the State alleges was given alcohol and lost consciousness.
He is also accused of sexually grooming the 16-year-old through WhatsApp between July and August, as well as possessing and distributing sexually explicit images of the teenager.
In a separate allegation, the State claims that Sibiya trafficked three people for sexual exploitation.
Makhasana argued that Sibiya had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting his release on bail. He further submitted that the interests of justice did not support his release.
Sibiya’s lawyer, Estelle Killian SC, maintained that he denies the charges. She argued that the State had insufficient evidence to support the human trafficking allegations.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe postponed the matter until next Tuesday for judgment, saying she still needed to review some of the documents submitted in court.
Sibiya remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria.