Shadrack Sibiya case: Court hears alleged WhatsApp messages

Former deputy national police commissioner for crime detection Shadrack Sibiya has been denied bail by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, where he faces serious charges, including rape, human trafficking and the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl.

Sibiya was arrested last month at a strip club in Sandton. He also faces a charge relating to the alleged contravention of the Firearms Control Act.

The state opposed his release on bail, arguing that granting it would be an injustice given the seriousness of the allegations against him.

During the bail proceedings, the court heard evidence about alleged WhatsApp exchanges between Sibiya and the teenage complainant, as well as concerns that he could interfere with witnesses if released.

State raises concerns about witness intimidation

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu told the court that there was a high likelihood that Shadrack Sibiya could harm complainants in the case.

She also warned that there was strong evidence suggesting he could attempt to interfere with the state’s case.

“The accused’s actions are beyond reasonable doubt that he is likely to harm Mr M or ZM, who are well known to him and whose contact details are known to him,” Ndlovu told the court.

She referred to an alleged phone call made around the time she was opening the current case, saying the circumstances raised concerns about possible stalking or the involvement of someone acting on Sibiya’s behalf.

The state argued that these concerns, alongside the seriousness of the charges, weighed against granting bail.

Court hears details of alleged WhatsApp exchanges

During the bail application, Ndlovu read out WhatsApp conversations allegedly exchanged between Shadrack Sibiya and the 16-year-old girl.

According to her testimony, the messages were extremely explicit in nature. She further alleged that Sibiya made several calls to the teenager, asking her to send sexually explicit photographs and videos of herself.

The allegations formed part of the evidence presented as the court considered whether Sibiya should be released pending further proceedings.

Sibiya has not been convicted of the charges against him, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.

Sibiya’s son submits affidavit

The court also heard an affidavit from Sibiya’s son, Ofentse Magwenya, which was read out by his attorney, Estelle Kilian.

The affidavit stated that Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela had acted independently when he contacted one of the complainants in the case.

The evidence was presented as part of the broader proceedings surrounding the allegations against the former senior police official.

Sibiya’s resignation from SAPS

Shadrack Sibiya’s bail denial comes after the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that it regarded his resignation as a “dishonourable discharge”.

According to SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe’s account of the matter, Sibiya’s legal representatives tendered his resignation with immediate effect after disciplinary proceedings had begun.

Police management said his resignation meant the disciplinary process could no longer continue because he was no longer a member of the service.

The internal proceedings therefore came to an end following his departure.

With bail now denied, Sibiya will remain in custody while the criminal case proceeds. The charges against him remain allegations to be tested through the court process.