A 16-year-old girl who is reportedly under witness protection has expressed fears for her safety and that of her family should suspended police lieutenant-general Shadrack Sibiya be granted bail.
The teenager reportedly told the court that she experiences daily anxiety because of alleged threats Sibiya is accused of making against her father.
She fears that his release could put her and her family in danger and disrupt their lives.
The teenager is among those who have reportedly raised concerns about their safety as the court considers Sibiya’s bail application.
18-year-old raises alarming concerns
An 18-year-old complainant also reportedly told the court that the possibility of Sibiya being released on bail frightens her.
She allegedly disclosed that she thinks about taking her own life every day because of the situation.
The young woman reportedly warned that if Sibiya were granted bail, she feared she could be found dead before waiting to see what happened next. She also expressed the view that the justice system would have failed them if he were released.
The statements highlight the fear and distress described by the complainants as the court considers whether Sibiya should be released while the case proceeds.
Sibiya faces serious allegations, which remain subject to the legal process. The court must consider the bail application and the concerns raised by the complainants before reaching its decision.
