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Sibiya denied bail over rape and grooming allegations

todayOctober 20, 2026 24

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Reader advisory: This article contains sensitive details that some readers may find upsetting.

 

Embattled former top cop, Shadrack Sibiya, will remain behind bars after the Randburg Magistrates’ Court denied him bail.

The 59-year-old faces multiple charges, including human trafficking, the alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and the rape of an 18-year-old woman.

The trafficking-in-persons charge stems from allegations involving three individuals.

The court heard that Sibiya allegedly boasted about a sexual encounter with the 18-year-old woman, telling others she was still a virgin after she allegedly passed out in a hotel room.

Prosecutor, Velile Makhasana, told the court that the woman later woke up with vaginal and lower abdominal pain, blood spots and no underwear, but could not recall what had happened to her.

The State alleged Sibiya took the young women to The Grand, controlled their cellphone use and encouraged them to drink alcohol before taking them back to their hotel.

Sibiya has denied the allegations, maintaining that the encounter was consensual. He also claimed that the 16-year-old girl he is accused of sexually grooming had a crush on him.

In denying him bail, the court cited concerns that Sibiya could interfere with the complainants if released.

Magistrate, Hleziphi Mkhasibe, said it would be difficult to monitor the 59-year-old’s interactions with others.

“The applicant can still use a family or a friend’s cellular phone and/or a cellular phone. It is the court’s view that there’s a likelihood that if the accused is released on bail, he will contact the 16-year-old child victim, who is vulnerable and might be easily influenced based on her previous interaction with the applicant. This is compounded by her feeling the victim’s feelings of responsibility for exposing her family to potential harm.”

Mkhasibe also raised concerns that the teenager had initially concealed her interaction with Sibiya.

“The applicant requested the child victim to delete their conversation. This demonstrates the victim’s vulnerability.

“The applicant’s actions give us a window into his intention. As a high-ranking police officer at the time, he was aware that he was committing a crime. He was also aware that he was tampering with evidence that has the potential to implicate him.”

The court found that Sibiya had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting his release on bail.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the ruling, expressing confidence in the evidence presented in court.

NPA spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, told the media outside court that the authority was prepared to oppose any appeal against the bail decision.

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    Sibiya denied bail over rape and grooming allegations Lindiwe Mpanza

 

The matter has been postponed to 24 November 2026 for further investigations.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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