By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Randburg Magistrates Court has rolled over bail application of former SAPS Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya to Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
Sibiya, 59, faces charges including rape, sexual grooming, human trafficking and negligent possession of a firearm.
Sibiya, who resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 12 October, has denied the charges against him.
The State is opposing bail, arguing that it has a strong case against him.
During the proceedings the State played a recording, which has brought new allegations about relationships between people linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, police intermediaries and individuals mentioned in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The recording captures a conversation between controversial business Serge Cabonge and a man referred to in court as Mr M, the father of one of the complainants in the criminal case against Sibiya.
The State views the recording as relevant to character evidence and its argument that Sibiya could interfere with witnesses if released on bail.
In the conversation, Cabonge discusses his relationship with Matlala and disputes claims about the nature of his dealings with Sibiya. The recording also refers to a man identified as “Fani”, who is linked to allegations about police intermediaries and criminal networks.
One of the most significant parts of the conversation concerns Cabonge’s claim that he knew someone who sat on the Madlanga Commission. According to him, Cabonge alleged that this person had advised him to leave the country and would protect him if his name came up during the commission’s proceedings.
Sibiya’s legal team, comprising Amanda Nel and Estelle Kilian, objected to the audio clip being played in court.
The recording had been sent to Sibiya’s wife, Sizakele Dlamini, by Mr M.
The defence had previously argued that the recording formed part of an alleged attempt by Mr M to intimidate Dlamini.
However, the state argued that the audio was relevant to the proceedings and the magistrate agreed that it could be played.
The defence also sought to present evidence about Sibiya’s relationship with the father of a 16-year-old girl at the centre of one of the charges.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhaliphi asked the investigating officer to obtain statements from the victims outlining whether they think Sibiya could interfere with the case if granted bail.
Prosecutor Velile Makasana said, “The one statement can be obtained, but there will be an issue with the second one. We can roll the case over to tomorrow. If they are all sorted, both parties should be in the position to address the court.”
His bail application will continue on Wednesday, 14 October.
Sibiya’s resignation on Monday therefore means his decades-long law enforcement career ends beneath a cloud of contradictions and criminal charges.