Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has launched another legal challenge in an attempt to secure his release from custody after the Randburg Magistrate’s Court refused his latest bail application in his rape case.
Sibiya, who previously told the court that he suffers from claustrophobia, is reportedly finding prison conditions difficult to cope with. During his earlier bail proceedings, he even requested access to his cell keys so that he could get fresh air whenever he needed it.
The latest legal challenge follows the court’s October 20 decision to deny him bail. Sibiya is challenging that ruling in another attempt to be released while his criminal case proceeds.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it received the appeal documents and intends to oppose the application.
“We have now received the appeal documents and we are opposing the matter,” NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago told IOL.
During the bail proceedings, the court raised concerns about the possibility of witness intimidation and interference with evidence. These included allegations that Sibiya threatened the family of the 16-year-old complainant and deleted information from his cellphone.
Sibiya, 59, faces charges including rape, sexual grooming, human trafficking and a firearm-related offence. The allegations relate to a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman. He has denied wrongdoing.
He remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria, with his criminal case expected to return to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on November 24.
His latest legal challenge will now be opposed by the NPA.
