Shadrack Sibiya remains in custody facing sexual grooming charges
Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre following his arrest last week at a strip club in Sandton on multiple severe charges, including rape, human trafficking, and child sexual grooming. Sibiya appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, where the matter was postponed for his formal bail application.
Court Appearance and Charges
During his initial court appearance, Sibiya did not plead to the five charges he faces, which include rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child, and two separate counts relating to the sexual grooming of a minor. According to EWN reporting, the rape allegations involve an 18-year-old woman and an incident allegedly occurring at a Sandton hotel in May, while the grooming allegations center on the 16-year-old daughter of a close associate.
https://x.com/ewnreporter/status/2102434329502859515
The Randburg Magistrate’s Court postponed the proceedings to 29 September 2026, when the formal bail application is scheduled to be heard. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago stated that the State intends to oppose Sibiya’s release on bail.
Transfer to Kgosi Mampuru II and State Opposition
Authorities transferred Sibiya to the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria after intelligence indicated a potential risk of escape if he remained detained at a police station, according to the NPA. In addition to flight risk concerns, prosecutors told the court they will oppose bail due to witness intimidation fears. The NPA emphasized that individuals close to Sibiya could potentially interfere with witnesses, making the protection of complainants and witnesses a primary focus as the prosecution proceeds.
Defense Affidavit and WhatsApp Evidence
In court, defense lawyer Estelle Killian read out an affidavit in which Sibiya maintained he never had a sexual relationship with the 16-year-old minor. According to the State’s allegations, Sibiya exchanged explicit WhatsApp images with the teenager and sent her a video of herself masturbating.
Countering the State’s claims, Sibiya stated in his affidavit that the girl’s father—described as a close associate—sent him the video directly. As outlined by his legal counsel, the affidavit states: “He was disturbed and told me he received a video of his daughter masturbating from an undisclosed source. He forwarded this video to me while expressing his disappointment.” Sibiya further claimed in the court document that the father had previously informed him that his daughter had a crush on him, prompting Sibiya to confront her about it via WhatsApp.
https://x.com/ZiyandaNgcobo/status/2102395986320478293
The formal bail application is scheduled to proceed on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.