The wife of suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has told the Randburg Magistrates’ Court that she felt intimidated by the father of the 16-year-old complainant — but the defence was unable to produce a voice note allegedly containing some of the threats.
In an affidavit filed in support of Sibiya’s bail application, Sizakele Dlamini said the complainant’s father, known as Mr M, contacted her seeking an opportunity to explain why he had opened a criminal case against her husband.
Dlamini said she declined the proposed meeting.
She alleges that Mr M subsequently sent her a series of WhatsApp messages in which he claimed to have recordings, photographs, location reports and other information that could implicate Sibiya.
Dlamini said she interpreted the messages as threatening and intimidating, although Mr M later indicated that he was not threatening anyone.
The issue came under scrutiny when Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe asked Sibiya’s legal team to produce a voice note that allegedly contained some of the threats.
The defence was unable to produce it.
The magistrate pointed out that Dlamini’s affidavit was being relied upon by the defence to respond to the State’s concerns that Sibiya could interfere with witnesses if released on bail.
“The defence is relying on Dlamini’s affidavit to respond to the state’s concerns about possible witness interference if Sibiya is granted bail.”
The development comes as the State continues to oppose Sibiya’s release on bail, with the issue of potential witness interference forming part of the proceedings.
Sibiya is facing serious criminal charges, which he denies.
The court must ultimately determine whether the evidence presented by both sides supports the granting or refusal of bail.
