By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Randburg Magistrates Court has denied the former South African Police Services (SAPS) Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya bail.
Sibiya is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old minor and raping an 18-year-old.
He faces charges including rape, sexual grooming, human trafficking, and negligent handling of a firearm.
The state has also accused Sibiya of human trafficking in connection with alleged sexual exploitation involving three people.
He has, however, denied all the charges, claiming persecution.
The case against the senior police officer follows his arrest at The Grand strip club in Rivonia, Sandton, on 21 September by the SAPS Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).
In her judgment on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe said Sibiya had failed to present sufficient grounds to justify his release on bail.
“The finding of the court is that the applicant failed to show exceptional circumstances that permit his release on bail.”
Mkhasibe emphasised that the friends acted independently in their attempts to intimidate the victims, and not on his instructions.
However, she also found that Sibiya had, indeed, threatened the father of the 16-year-old he is accused of sexually grooming, despite the defence’s claim that no threats were made.
“The second threat establishes a dangerous pattern of behaviour. It shows intent, meaning the person was not just having a momentary lapse of judgment the first time. They genuinely mean to cause harm.”
Sibiya will remain behind bars at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria until his next court appearance on 24 November 2026. He is likely going to approach the High Court.