Shadrack Sibiya case: Court hears girls fear for their lives, send suicide texts

The court heard testimonies from two young girls involved in the rape and sexual grooming case against Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya on Thursday. The girls, who are 18 and 16 years old, have been sending messages expressing their fear for their lives or intent to commit suicide, according to investigating officer Detective Nokukhanya Ndlovu from the Commission Recommendations Task Team.

Sibiya, a suspended deputy national commissioner, faces charges of rape, sexual grooming, human trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The 59-year-old officer was apprehended last week by the Commission Recommendations Task Team, which investigates matters from the Madlanga Commission. The state claims Sibiya raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel after she consumed alcohol and lost consciousness on May 16.

He is also accused of grooming a 16-year-old girl through WhatsApp between July and August, allegedly sharing sexually explicit images of her while he was her father's associate. Ndlovu argued that Sibiya should not be granted bail, stating it would not benefit public safety or justice. She emphasized the prevalence of women and young women being raped in the country, citing President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address on the issue as a stain on the nation's conscience.

Ndlovu added that the state has a strong case against Sibiya, and the girls are now afraid for their lives, frequently sending texts about suicide or fearing for their existence. While a witness protection program has been engaged, the girls are currently attending their last exams at school, with safety measures planned until October. The bail hearing has been postponed to the following Friday.