Sibiya bail hearing: A week of threats, explosive recordings and witness fears

The bail application of former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been marked by allegations of witness intimidation, disputed recordings and questions about his connections to people implicated in investigations linked to the Madlanga Commission.

Sibiya is accused of raping of an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on May 15.

The father of the teenager is an associate of Sibiya, referred to as Mr M in court to protect his daughter’s identity.

In a separate allegation, the State claims that Sibiya trafficked three people for sexual exploitation.

Allegations are that Sibiya threatened Mr M, there was testimony about his alleged connections to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and an audio recording featuring businessman and socialite Serge Cabonge.

The State has argued that Sibiya could intimidate witnesses, interfere with evidence or evade trial if released.

His defence, led by senior counsel Estelle Killian, maintains that he denies the charges and that the prosecution has not presented sufficient grounds to justify his continued detention.

The case has unfolded against the backdrop of Sibiya’s resignation from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on October 12, which ended his employment and resulted in the loss of his lieutenant-general rank while disciplinary proceedings were under way.

Alleged threats, explosive recordings and fears of witness interference have dominated former top cop Shadrack Sibiya’s bail hearing, with judgment postponed until next Tuesday.

One of the most serious allegations presented during the bail hearing came from the father of the teenager.

Prosecutor Velile Makhasana read Mr M’s affidavit into the record, detailing how he reported allegations involving his daughter to police in August.

Mr M said officers initially informed him that a file would be opened to investigate the matter.

He was subsequently contacted by the investigating officer, Detective-Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu, who asked him to meet her at Sandton Police Station to formalise the case.

While at the station, Mr M allegedly received a telephone call from Sibiya, who demanded to know what he was doing with Ndlovu.