Shadrack Sibiya bail bid rocked by chilling victim statements

Two young victims who have accused former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of sexual offences have pleaded with the court to keep him behind bars, fearing for their lives if he secures bail.

The Randburg Magistrate’s Court heard their statements on Wednesday, 14 October, after the magistrate ordered investigators to obtain their views on Sibiya’s possible release.

The 18-year-old woman who accused Sibiya of rape told the court that she lives in constant fear and has experienced suicidal thoughts since the alleged attack.

The 16-year-old girl he allegedly sexually groomed also fears that Sibiya could harm her or her father.

RAPE ACCUSER FEARS FOR HER LIFE

State prosecutor Velile Makasana read the 18-year-old complainant’s affidavit into the court record.

The woman said she feared Sibiya could subject her to further harm if the court released him.

“Day in and day out, I’m living under constant fear to the extent of being suicidal,” she said.

She told investigators that the alleged incident had changed her life and forced her family to take additional security precautions.

The complainant also questioned whether the justice system could protect her if Sibiya returned to the community.

She said granting him bail would leave her feeling exposed to further danger.

Her affidavit also raised fresh allegations of possible witness interference.

The woman claimed that someone associated with Sibiya’s defence had approached one of her friends to obtain a statement contradicting her account.

According to the complainant, her friend refused.

He admitted having sex with the older complainant but insisted that she had consented.

16-YEAR-OLD FEARS SIBIYA COULD HARM HER FATHER

The court also heard from the 16-year-old complainant, who accused Sibiya of sexually grooming her.

She said she feared for her safety and that of her father if the former police boss secured bail.

“I’m very scared. But if he’s released on bail, he may do harm to my father and or to myself,” she said in her affidavit.

The teenager referred to alleged threats Sibiya made against her father after she disclosed the alleged grooming.

Her statement follows an affidavit from her father, who told the court on Tuesday that Sibiya had threatened to harm his family.

The father alleged that Sibiya became angry when confronted about the allegations involving his daughter.

He claimed the former senior police officer warned that he knew his family and could harm them.

Sibiya disputes the allegations against him.

WHY THE MAGISTRATE DEMANDED THE STATEMENTS

The South African previously reported that Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe ordered investigators to obtain statements from both complainants during Tuesday’s proceedings.

The magistrate wanted to establish whether the women believed Sibiya could interfere with the investigation or threaten their safety if granted bail.

Investigating officer Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu subsequently obtained the statements, which prosecutors presented on Wednesday.

The State opposes Sibiya’s release, arguing that he could interfere with witnesses.

WHAT CHARGES DOES SHADRACK SIBIYA FACE?

Prosecutors accuse Sibiya of raping the 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel in May 2026.

The State alleges that the woman was intoxicated and unable to consent.

Sibiya acknowledges having sex with her but maintains that the encounter was consensual.

He also faces allegations that he sexually groomed the 16-year-old through WhatsApp messages and other communications.

Prosecutors allege that he requested explicit material from the teenager and instructed her to keep their conversations secret.

Sibiya denies grooming the girl and disputes the State’s version of events.

He also faces a human trafficking charge and a charge relating to the Firearms Control Act.

The former police boss has not been convicted of any of the charges.

His bail application continues in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.