By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The former SA Police Services (SAPS) Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has approached the High Court to challenge the lower court’s decision to deny him bail.
Sibiya was denied bail on 20 October 2026 by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in his rape case and remains in custody.
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.”
The case against the senior police officer follows his arrest at The Grand strip club in Rivonia, Sandton, on 21 September 2026, by the SAPS Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that they have received the papers and would oppose the application.
Kganyago said, “We have now received the appeal documents and we are opposing the matter.”
Separately, Sibiya has been implicated in allegations of corruption and interference in police operations before the Madlanga commission of Inquiry.
Sibiya left the police service following a turbulent career in the police service. He was dismissed in 2015 over his role in the illegal rendition of Zimbabwean nationals. He challenged the dismissal. The Labour Court subsequently ordered his reinstatement after finding that the dismissal had been procedurally unfair.
After leaving national policing, Sibiya was appointed by former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba in 2016 to lead the City of Johannesburg Group Forensic and Investigation Services, which investigates corruption and misconduct in the municipality.