Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya sat through sexually graphic WhatsApp messages allegedly exchanged with a 16-year-old as his bail hearing continued at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu read out her affidavit to the court.
NOWinSA attended the hearing and recorded the proceedings. Watch the brief video below to see and hear how the evidence was presented.
Sibiya’s first court appearance on September 22 saw him face charges of rape, human trafficking and alleged sexual grooming of the teenager.
A charge of contravening the Firearms Control Act has since been added.
Sexually graphic WhatsApp messages detailed in court
Ndlovu told the court that the WhatsApp messages were of an extremely explicit nature.
She said Sibiya also called the girl several times and allegedly asked her for explicit pictures and videos of herself.
Ndlovu detailed one 51-minute WhatsApp call in which Sibiya allegedly asked whether the girl was sexually active.
He allegedly told her not to date anyone and that she must allow only him to have her.
The teenager was also allegedly told not to tell anyone about their communications.
Throughout the reading, Ndlovu maintained a firm and sombre tone as she read the graphic details into the record.
The explicit nature of the allegations was met by a noticeable hush in the courtroom gallery, with the atmosphere turning visibly sombre.
Sibiya in the dock during bail hearing
Sibiya remained in the dock as Ndlovu’s affidavit was read out, listening as the State presented details of its case against him.
The allegations are particularly significant given Sibiya’s former position as one of the South African Police Service’s most senior officers.
His name has also featured in the Madlanga Commission, which is examining allegations of corruption and criminality within the country’s law-enforcement system.
The allegations in the criminal case remain untested in court. Sibiya has not been convicted of any offence.
Why the State opposes Sibiya’s bail
Ndlovu argued that Sibiya should remain in custody because he could harm the complainants if released on bail.
She pointed to a phone call he allegedly made around the time the case was opened.
“A reasonable inference may be drawn that he was personally stalking Mr. M or he had someone who did so on his behalf,” she told the court.
The State has also raised concerns about possible witness intimidation and interference with the investigation as it opposes Sibiya’s release.
The defence response
Sibiya’s son, Ofentse Magwenya, filed an affidavit that was read out by attorney Estelle Kilian.
It says Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela contacted a complainant in his personal capacity, “offering support to my family”.
Magwenya says nobody asked the bishop to contact, threaten or intimidate any witness.
Our X post from the hearing captured the moment the court watched a video of Maumela’s call with Mr M.
In our earlier coverage, Sibiya admitted to having sex with the 18-year-old but denied rape. He also disputes the human trafficking allegations.
Sibiya remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
The bail hearing continues on Friday, October 2.
