JOHANNESBURG - The son of disgraced suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has had to come to his father's defence.
This is after a recording, presented at the Randburg Magistrate's Court, heard Sibiya's friend Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela requesting the father of the 16-year-old to drop charges against his friend. He was also heard asking the minor's father to convince the 18-year-old rape accuser to also drop charges against Sibiya.
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On the first day of his bail application, Sibiya promised the court that he would never interfere with witnesses. Maumela's actions now account as witness intimidation.
Sibiya's son, Ofentse Magwenya, told the court that the family never asked Maumela to intimidate or speak to the witnesses.
Maumela has been very vocal and defensive of his friend. Speaking to eNCA last month, he denied that they had been at a strip club when Sibiya was arrested, however, had been at a restaurant.
He has also had strong words to say against his accusers and speculations of a nefarious reason behind his friend's arrest.
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However, on 23 September Maumela released a statement apologising for his conduct.
"I acknowledge that I should have handled the matter with greater sensitivity, particularly because it involves a minor," he said. He said after receiving advice, he needed to exercise greater restraint and responsibility.
He also withdrew remarks he made about President Cyril Ramaphosa, law enforcement agencies and the Madlanga Commission.
"I did not mean to threaten, harm or intimidate anyone," he said.
Sibiya is facing five charges, including rape, trafficking of persons and sexual grooming of a child.