JOHANNESBURG - Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is facing an additional charge as he fights to secure bail.
The senior police officer is back in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for his bail application, with the State adding a charge of negligent handling of a firearm.
Sibiya is accused of improperly storing a firearm that was found in his possession when he was arrested on 21 September.
READ | Sibiya admits sex with 18-year-old but calls charges 'trumped up'
He is already facing five other charges, including rape, sexual grooming and human trafficking.
Sibiya has admitted to having sex with an 18-year-old woman but told the court that the encounter was consensual.
He has also explained why a video involving a 16-year-old was found on his phone, claiming it had been sent to him by the teenager’s father.
The State is opposing his release on bail, citing concerns that people close to Sibiya could intimidate or interfere with witnesses.
Prosecutors have also argued that he could attempt to evade justice if released.
The bail application is continuing.
Read more: SAPS credibility under scrutiny amid Sibiya's arrest