Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has been refused bail by the Randburg Magistrate's Court, Daily Maverick reports.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe said threats Sibiya allegedly made against a state witness, the father of a 16-year-old he is accused of sexually grooming, showed a "dangerous pattern of behaviour" and a real intention to cause harm. She found that he posed a risk to witnesses and had not shown the exceptional circumstances needed for release.
Sibiya, who has been in custody since his arrest on 20 September, faces six charges, including the rape of an 18-year-old, sexual grooming, human trafficking and negligent handling of a firearm. He has pleaded not guilty and says his encounter with the 18-year-old was consensual. Both complainants told the court they feared for their safety if he were freed.
Source: Daily Maverick
