Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has reportedly told the Randburg Magistrates’ Court that his alleged claustrophobia would make it difficult for him to remain locked inside a prison cell.
According to the evidence presented during his bail proceedings, Sibiya said he would need to leave his cell to get fresh air whenever he felt he could no longer cope with the confined space.
He reportedly asked for the keys to his cell to remain with him so that he could open it and go outside when he needed fresh air.
The unusual request emerged as the court considered Sibiya’s application for bail.
Sibiya is opposing his continued detention while the State argues against his release.
He faces charges including rape, human trafficking, alleged sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and a firearm-related charge.
Sibiya denies the allegations against him.
His bail application has been postponed to the 7th of October 2026
