A South African court has denied bail to former Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, who is facing multiple charges involving alleged sexual offences, human trafficking and the sexual grooming of a minor.

The Randburg Magistrates’ Court ruled on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, that Sibiya had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release and agreed with prosecutors that granting him bail could endanger witnesses.

Sibiya, 59, has denied the allegations. He resigned from the South African Police Service earlier in October following his arrest in September.

Court Cites Risk of Witness Intimidation

In delivering the ruling, Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe said the court was concerned about the possibility of witness interference and the destruction or concealment of evidence.

The prosecution argued that Sibiya could attempt to contact or intimidate complainants if released. It also raised concerns that he might flee the country.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the court considered the vulnerability of the complainants and the potential risks to the integrity of the investigation.

The court concluded that Sibiya had not met the legal requirements for bail and ordered that he remain in custody.

Five Charges Against Former Police Chief

Sibiya faces five charges, including rape, human trafficking, promoting the sexual grooming of a child and two counts of sexual grooming of a child.

The prosecution alleges that he sexually groomed a 16-year-old girl through electronic communications between July 20 and August 3, 2026.

He is also accused of raping an 18-year-old woman in an alleged incident on May 16, 2026. Prosecutors allege that the woman was given alcohol before losing consciousness and was raped at a hotel in Johannesburg.

The human trafficking charge relates to allegations involving three individuals.

Sibiya has maintained that his sexual encounter with the adult complainant was consensual and has denied the accusations against him.

The allegations have not been established in court.

Prosecutors Welcome Bail Decision

The NPA welcomed the court’s decision, saying it was satisfied that it had presented sufficient evidence during the bail proceedings.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the prosecution’s responsibility was to present the available facts before the magistrate.

He also indicated that the authority was prepared to oppose any appeal against the bail ruling.

The case has been postponed until November 24, 2026, for further investigations.

Sibiya Also Under Scrutiny in Police Corruption Inquiry

Beyond the criminal charges, Sibiya has been implicated in a judicial commission of inquiry examining allegations of corruption and criminal networks within South Africa’s police service.

The inquiry, chaired by retired judge Mbuyiseni Madlanga, has heard allegations that Sibiya maintained links with individuals suspected of involvement in criminal networks and received substantial sums of money and gifts from them.

Those allegations form part of the broader inquiry into alleged corruption and misconduct within the police service. They are separate from the sexual offence charges before the court.

Sibiya has also denied allegations levelled against him in connection with the inquiry.

His resignation followed the commencement of disciplinary proceedings. Police have described his departure from the service as a dishonourable discharge because disciplinary action was pending.

Case Remains Ongoing

Sibiya will remain in custody as investigations continue ahead of the next court appearance.

The bail ruling does not determine whether he is guilty of the charges. The prosecution must still establish its case through the criminal justice process.