Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya will remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre ahead of his formal bail application next week.
Also see: Senior police official arrested on severe sexual offence charges
EWN reported that Shadrack appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, following his arrest on allegations including rape, trafficking in persons and the sexual grooming of a child. The matter was postponed to 29 September 2026, when his bail application is expected to be heard.
Shadrack Sibiya faces 5 charges
The suspended senior police official faces five charges, including rape, trafficking in persons, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts relating to the sexual grooming of a child.
The State alleges that the grooming allegations involve a 16-year-old girl, while the rape allegation relates to an 18-year-old woman and an incident alleged to have taken place at a Sandton hotel in May. These are allegations before the court and have not been tested at trial, according to Mail & Guardian.
Shadrack did not plead to the charges during his initial appearance.
[WATCH] Here’s why suspect Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was arrested. pic.twitter.com/5NfhtxGkJs
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 22, 2026
Why Shadrack Sibiya is being held at Kgosi Mampuru
The National Prosecuting Authority has explained that Shadrack was transferred to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria after intelligence suggested there could be a risk of escape if he were held at a police station.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago also said the State would oppose bail, reported EWN.
Also see: Inside the failed attempt to arrest Mchunu and Sibiya
State raises witness intimidation concerns
The State has also raised concerns about possible witness intimidation.
According to the NPA, people close to Shadrack could potentially interfere with witnesses. Prosecutors have indicated that protecting the witnesses and complainants is a priority as the case proceeds.
The State’s concerns will form part of the issues before the court when Shadrack formally applies for bail.
Bail hearing set
Shadrack is therefore expected to remain behind bars until his next court appearance on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, when the formal bail application will be heard.
The State has confirmed that it intends to oppose his release on bail, citing the information before prosecutors, including concerns around witness safety and a possible escape.
The allegations against Shadrack remain allegations, and the court process will determine the outcome of the case.
BREAKING : Suspended deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is in the dock. The state and defence are not opposed to the bail application being broadcast with restrictions but that won’t proceed today because of time constraints. The bail hearing will now be heard on the… pic.twitter.com/mqr3qRShPX
— Ziyanda N (@ZiyandaNgcobo) September 22, 2026
Also see: General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi opens a can of worms implicating top officials
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