Shadrack Sibiya remains in custody after court appearance

Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Major-General Shadrack Mongo Sibiya, remains in custody after appearing before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of rape, trafficking in persons and sexual grooming of a child.

Sibiya, 59, faces five charges, including rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexual grooming of a child.

The charges relate to alleged incidents between May 16 and August 3, 2026, involving an adult female complainant and a 16-year-old child.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the State alleges that Sibiya sexually groomed the child through electronic communication and is further linked to an alleged incident of rape involving the adult complainant.

Sibiya also faces a charge of trafficking in persons arising from allegations involving three individuals.

Kganyago said the State requested a seven-day postponement to allow for the enrolment and hearing of a formal bail application.

The matter was postponed to September 29 for bail proceedings.

The State will oppose bail and present its case in accordance with the applicable legal process, Kganyago said.

The NPA reiterated its commitment to prosecuting without fear, favour or prejudice, irrespective of the position or status of an accused person.