- The NPA confirmed that investigations into the Shadrack Sibiya case are at an advanced stage, including the role of a man identified as Mr M
- Sibiya, who faces five charges including rape and human trafficking, was denied bail by the Rand Magistrate's Court on 21 October 2026
- Authorities are also weighing whether to place the 18-year-old complainant under witness protection after both girls expressed fears for their lives
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JOHANNESBURG — The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed that investigations into the case against former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya are at an advanced stage This follows the Rand Magistrate's Court's decision to deny him bail on Tuesday, 21 October 2026.
NPA confirms investigations into teen's father
According to IOL, NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago addressed the media outside the court, confirming that investigators would examine the alleged role of a man identified only as Mr M, the father of a 16-year-old girl and an associate of Sibiya. Authorities are investigating allegations that Mr M was in possession of inappropriate images of his own daughter and may have provided those images to Sibiya.
Investigators will also scrutinise a recorded conversation between controversial socialite Serge Cabonge and Mr M, which came up during the bail proceedings. In the recording, Cabonge allegedly claimed to have used police connections to secure the withdrawal of criminal charges against a person linked to the Madlanga Commission.
Sibiya denied bail on five charges
Sibiya faces five charges: rape, human trafficking, promoting sexual misconduct with a child, and two counts of sexual abuse of a child. The state alleges he assaulted an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on 15 May 2026 after she allegedly consumed alcohol and lost consciousness. He is further accused of sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old girl via WhatsApp between July and August, and of possessing and circulating inappropriate images of the teenager. Prosecutors also allege he trafficked three individuals for sexual exploitation.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe ruled that Sibiya had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting release, and raised concerns about the potential for witness intimidation and destruction of evidence. Kganyago welcomed the outcome.
"All we can say is that justice has been served," he said.
Sibiya, who has denied the charges and called them "trumped up," was arrested on 21 September by members of the Madlanga Commission's Recommendations Task Team. His legal team, led by senior counsel Estelle Killian, is reportedly considering an appeal. Kganyago confirmed the NPA was prepared to respond if one was lodged.
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Witness protection under consideration
The NPA confirmed the 16-year-old girl is currently receiving protection through its women's protection services. Authorities are assessing whether to extend formal witness protection to the 18-year-old complainant. Task team detective Nokukhanya Ndlovu testified during the bail proceedings that both girls had sent messages expressing fears for their lives.
Sibiya fired from SAPS
Previously, Briefly News reported that Sibiya was dishonorably discharged from the South African Police Service through his legal representative after disciplinary proceedings commenced on 12 October. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 24 November 2026.
Source: Briefly News
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