South African deputy national police commissioner Sibiya appears in court — Daily Maverick

In Randburg, South Africa, deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya appeared before a magistrate’s court on five charges, including rape, human trafficking and child sexual grooming. The 59-year-old official was detained the previous day and made his first court appearance on September 21, 2026. The case was postponed for a week, during which Sibiya will remain in custody.

As Daily Maverick reports, the indictment states that Sibiya allegedly sent sexually explicit messages to a 16-year-old girl in July and August. According to the prosecution, he also sent her nude photographs of herself that she had not provided to him.

The prosecution’s version

According to the indictment, Sibiya allegedly took a group of girls or young women, including an 18-year-old, to The Grand venue in Sandton. The official called it an “elegant place,” while the document describes the establishment as a strip club. There, according to the prosecution, he bought them food and alcohol.

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As stated in the document, the 18-year-old girl lost consciousness, after which Sibiya allegedly raped her in a hotel room. The publication does not provide some details in order not to reveal the identity of the minor involved in the case.

Bail issue

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaiser Kganjago said that Sibiya has not yet entered a plea of guilty or not guilty, as the case has not reached that stage. The bail application hearing is scheduled to begin on September 29 at 9:00 a.m., and the prosecution plans to oppose his release.

The prosecution also reported concerns about possible interference with witnesses and victims in the case, as well as likely attempts to facilitate the accused’s escape. According to Kganjago, investigators are trying to find electronic devices that may have been used for intimidation. The prosecution is seeking Sibiya’s transfer to the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, citing intelligence information about an escape risk if he is held at a police station or Johannesburg Central Prison.