JOHANNESBURG - Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been denied bail.
The 59-year-old former police official appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he faces charges of sexual grooming, human trafficking and the reckless handling of a firearm.
He is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman and sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl.
According to the allegations, Sibiya gave the 18-year-old woman alcohol before she lost consciousness and was raped at a hotel in Sandton.
The State opposed his release on bail, arguing that he could interfere with witnesses or flee the country.
READ | Sibiya rape accuser fears for her safety if he is granted bail
Delivering the bail judgment, Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe agreed with the State that Sibiya posed a threat to witnesses.
“The court has carefully balanced the applicant’s constitutional right, his personal circumstances, the presumption of innocence and the interests of justice. The finding of the court is that the applicant failed to show exceptional circumstances that permit his release on bail,” Mkhasibe said.
She added that there was evidence suggesting Sibiya would go to great lengths to conceal evidence against him, including allegations that he had disposed of cellphone evidence.
“He was aware that his cellular phones were being intercepted. The applicant’s behaviour demonstrates that the accused is likely to tamper with evidence. There is no bail condition that can be imposed to ensure that he complies,” the court said.
Read more: State claims Sibiya's lawyers interfered with witnesses