Bail denied: Magistrate slams Shadrack Sibiya for violating police oath

Randburg magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe denied bail to former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya on Tuesday, citing concerns over witness intimidation and the potential destruction of evidence. The magistrate ruled that Sibiya's release could jeopardize ongoing criminal proceedings. Sibiya faces multiple charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming of minors. He has denied the allegations against him.

Mkhasibe emphasized that Sibiya had taken an oath to protect and uphold the country's principles, and his actions contradicted those principles. The magistrate found evidence that Sibiya threatened a state witness, Mr M, the father of the teenage complainant, and had allegedly destroyed evidence that could implicate him. Sibiya's phone had been wiped clean, removing communications between him and the teenage complainant. The magistrate noted that Sibiya's actions demonstrated a deliberate attempt to tamper with evidence.

Additionally, the court heard a statement from the 18-year-old victim, who expressed fears about Sibiya's possible release and mentioned that she was suicidal. The state had enrolled her in the Witness Protection Programme. Another concern was that one of the teenager's friends had allegedly been approached by someone seeking to obtain a statement contradicting the complainant's evidence. The magistrate could not attribute the alleged approach to Sibiya personally, but deemed it a matter requiring investigation.