Shadrack Sibiya sent to Kgosi Mampuru amid escape fears

Suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will spend the next seven days at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre after prosecutors raised concerns that he could escape.

The Randburg Magistrate’s Court remanded Sibiya in custody on Tuesday, 22 September, until his formal bail application on 29 September.

The National Prosecuting Authority said authorities received intelligence suggesting Sibiya could escape if officials detained him at a police station. Prosecutors also raised concerns about possible witness interference.

Sibiya faces five charges: rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexually grooming a child.

He has not pleaded, and the court has not tested the allegations against him.

Why Sibiya was sent to Kgosi Mampuru

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said intelligence suggested Sibiya could escape if officials detained him at a police facility.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said this influenced the decision to move the suspended senior officer to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.

Investigators are also probing a voice note received on Tuesday afternoon that allegedly contained threats or attempts to intimidate potential witnesses.

Kganyago said prosecutors placed the information before the court and will rely on it when they oppose Sibiya’s bail application.

Authorities have not disclosed how many witnesses are involved, saying further details could place them at risk.

Sibiya faces five charges

The case involves an 18-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl.

Sibiya allegedly groomed the teenager through electronic communication and faces a rape charge linked to an alleged incident involving the adult complainant at a Sandton hotel in May.

He also faces a trafficking-in-persons charge.

Members of the Commissions Recommendations Task Team arrested him on Monday, 21 September, while he remained suspended as Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection.

State to oppose bail

Prosecutors asked the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for a seven-day postponement to prepare for Sibiya’s formal bail application.

The court remanded him in custody until 29 September 2026, when the State is expected to oppose his release.