The prosecution revealed startling details in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday during the appearance of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. State prosecutors disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the 59-year-old high-ranking official harbored plans to escape custody and had actively engaged in witness intimidation.
Sibiya was taken into custody on Monday night by specialized law enforcement units. He faces severe charges including the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl between July and August this year, the rape of an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel in May, and trafficking of persons.
Threats Issued via Voice Notes and Videos
During the court proceedings, the State outlined ongoing efforts to manipulate the judicial process. Prosecutors informed the court that Sibiya and an associated "cabal" had made direct threats against state witnesses, with some incidents occurring as late as 14:00 on the day of the hearing.
According to the State, multiple voice notes and video recordings were dispatched to witnesses in an effort to intimidate them into withdrawing their charges.
Due to the severity of these charges and the intelligence regarding an escape risk, the matter has been classified as a Schedule 6 offence. Sibiya will remain in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria as prosecutors prepare to oppose his formal bail application, set for 29 September.
Investigations into the intimidation campaign and potential additional suspects associated with Sibiya's network remain ongoing.
