Things Get Tough for Shadrack Sibiya as Explosive Audio is Played in Court
The bail application of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, took a dramatic turn at the Randburg Magistrates Court as the state introduced recording evidence pointing toward severe intimidation.
The court heard evidence of a recorded exchange where Sibiya allegedly threatened the father of a 16-year-old girl—referred to in court as Mr M—who serves as Sibiya’s bodyguard.
In the chilling warning, Sibiya reportedly stated, “I can deal with you very quick and easy kodwa ngizokuyeka” (“I can deal with you very quickly and easily, but I will let you go”).
Further testimony from the investigating officer alleged that Sibiya went as far as saying, “What are you busy with, do you know that it can take me a minute to wipe you and your family out?”
Sibiya is facing a list of six severe charges, including rape, sexual grooming of a minor, human trafficking, and the negligent handling of a firearm.
The state alleges that between July and August 2026, Sibiya groomed Mr M’s teenage daughter, exchanging explicit messages and acquiring compromised video material.
The state has strongly opposed bail, arguing that Sibiya poses a massive risk to witnesses due to his high-ranking police position.
Adding fuel to the fire, the prosecution played a separate recording of a phone call made by Sibiya’s close associate, Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela.
In that audio clip, Bishop Maumela is heard calling Mr M to track down an 18-year-old woman who has accused Sibiya of rape at a hotel in Sandton.
Maumela can be heard suggesting that they need to “sit down with her” to talk, which prosecutors argue amounts to direct witness interference and intimidation to get the charges dropped.
Sibiya’s son, Ofentse Magwenya, submitted an affidavit distancing the family from Maumela’s actions, claiming the bishop acted entirely on his own accord while providing spiritual support.
Meanwhile, Sibiya’s defense attorney, Amanda Nel, fiercely cross-examined the lead investigator, Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu.
The defense claims the criminal charges are fabricated, arguing that the relationship between Sibiya and Mr M collapsed not over grooming allegations, but due to a failed business transaction involving a GWM bakkie and Sibiya stopping financial assistance to Mr M.
Sibiya remains in custody as court proceedings continue to determine whether he is a flight risk or a danger to the state’s case.
