Sibiya bail hearing: Court hears witness had 300 records on suspended police boss

Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where his bail application continued.

Sibiya is facing charges including rape, human trafficking and sexual grooming, as well as an additional firearm-related charge. He denies the allegations.

During proceedings, the court heard about WhatsApp exchanges involving a witness referred to as Witness M and Sibiya’s wife.

In one of the WhatsApp messages read into the record, Witness M allegedly told Sibiya’s wife that he would have to provide information about various cases and people who had disappeared.

The message also referred to alleged involvement by controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and senior politicians.

Witness M allegedly further said that he had carried out numerous assignments involving Sibiya and had a file concerning “Brian the North West businessman.”

The court also heard that Witness M claimed to have about 300 records relating to Sibiya.

The evidence forms part of the State’s case as it opposes Sibiya’s release on bail. The State has previously raised concerns about possible witness interference, with a recording of an interaction between Sibiya and Mr M also played in court.

Sibiya’s bail application has been postponed to 13 October, and he remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru ll Correctional Centre.

The allegations before the court have not been tested through a trial, and Sibiya remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.