Sibiya Bail Hearing: Girls Allegedly Fear For Their Lives, Court Hears

Two girls linked to the rape and sexual grooming case against suspended deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya have allegedly been sending messages indicating that they fear for their lives or that either could attempt suicide.

The claims emerged at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as Sibiya continued his application for bail. Detective Nokukhanya Ndlovu, an investigating officer attached to the Commission Recommendations Task Team, made the disclosure while being cross-examined.

Sibiya, 59, faces five charges, including rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking. A charge of unlawful possession of a firearm has also been added to the case.

Sibiya Bail Hearing Hears Of Complainants’ Fears

Ndlovu told the court that the two complainants were experiencing ongoing fear and had repeatedly communicated concerns about their safety.

“In light of what I had placed on my affidavit, is that the girls constantly keep on sending texts of either one (planning to) committing suicide or fearing for their lives.”

“So, even today and yesterday, it's a constant thing. And this is really worrying. And I thought I should just alert the court about that.”

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Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe asked whether the complainants had been placed under a witness protection order. Ndlovu confirmed that the Witness Protection Programme had been engaged.

“Yes, Your Worship, the Witness Protection Program has been engaged.”

Ndlovu explained that the girls were completing their final school examinations, with their families making arrangements to keep them safe until the protection programme could take over.

“However, the school, they are writing their last papers.”

“Therefore, the families have considered ensuring safety for now, up until the Witness Protection Program can embark.”

“As soon as they indicate that they are ready to get to them, once they are done with their exams. Should be in the month of October.”

Sibiya Faces Rape, Grooming And Human Trafficking Charges

The state alleges that Sibiya raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on 16 May. According to the allegations before court, the woman had been given alcohol and subsequently lost consciousness.

Sibiya is also accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl through WhatsApp between July and August. The state alleges that he possessed and shared sexually explicit images involving the teenager, who is the daughter of one of his associates.

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A further allegation is that Sibiya trafficked three people for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sibiya has denied the allegations against him.

The senior police officer was arrested last week following an investigation by the Commission Recommendations Task Team, which is examining matters arising from the Madlanga Commission.

Sibiya Bail Application Continues In Randburg Court

During her evidence, Ndlovu argued that Sibiya should remain in custody, saying his release would not be in the interests of the public or justice.

She also referred to the broader problem of violence against women and girls in South Africa and cited recent comments by President Cyril Ramaphosa about the issue.

“This is the crisis in the Republic. He (referring to Ramaphosa) stated that the abuse, the rape, and the killing of women remains a stain on our national conscience and declared that it cannot be allowed to define the nation.”

“He further stated that the burden of ending abuse cannot continue to rest primarily on the shoulders of its victims, noting that women are constantly forced to adjust their daily lives to stay safe.”

Ndlovu maintained that the state had a strong case against Sibiya and asked the court to refuse his bail application.

“Considering the strong case against the applicant and the strong likelihoods highlighted above, I humbly request that in the interest of justice, bail be refused against him.”

The bail hearing was postponed to Friday for proceedings to continue.