JUST IN: Shadrack Sibiya denied bail in rape, sexual grooming case

The 59-year-old former lieutenant-general is facing several charges. Former deputy national police commissioner for crime detection Shadrack Sibiya will remain behind bars after the Randburg Magistrate’s Court refused his application for bail in a case involving allegations of rape, sexual grooming, and human trafficking. Shadrack Sibiya denied bail in rape, sexual grooming case Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe handed down judgment on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, concluding that Sibiya had failed to present sufficient grounds to justify his release pending trial. The presiding officer was scathing in her assessment, questioning parts of his defence and highlighting that the state had presented a strong case against Sibiya. “It is clear that police officers are at the vanguard of a gallant fight against criminality. As a result, the general public look to them for protection and maintenance of law and order,” she remarked. “All the right-thinking members of any civilised society do not expect the police to be involved in crime. “The applicant took an oath to protect and safeguard this country against criminal activities, to maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of the community. However, the applicant allegedly violated the victims on the days in question,” Mkhasibe added. Sibiya will remain behind bars at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria until his next court appearance on 24 November 2026. Charges The 59-year-old former lieutenant-general is facing several charges: three counts of sexual grooming, one count of human trafficking, and one count of rape. The grooming allegations relate to a 16-year-old girl and are alleged to have taken place between July and August 2026 through electronic communications. The rape charge stems from a May 2026 incident when Sibiya allegedly sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel. The state has also accused Sibiya of human trafficking in connection with alleged sexual exploitation involving three people. He has, however, denied all the charges, claiming persecution. The case against the senior police officer follows his arrest at The Grand strip club in Rivonia, Sandton, on 21 September by the Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT). Sibiya, who resigned from the South African Police Service (Saps) on 12 October, is also facing a firearm-related charge arising from a gun allegedly found in his possession at the time of his arrest. This is a developing story