SAPS Clarifies Viral Hand Signals During Shadrack Sibiya's Randburg Court Hearing
- SAPS issued a statement after a clip of an officer making hand gestures in court during Shadrack Sibiya's hearing went viral
- The footage sparked public concern that the officer may have been attempting to intimidate or interfere with court proceedings
- Sibiya faces five charges, including rape and trafficking in persons, with the State opposing his bail application
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JOHANNESBURG — The South African Police Service has responded to public concern after footage of a police officer making non-verbal hand signals inside the Randburg Magistrate's Court, during proceedings involving suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, circulated widely online.
SAPS confirmed in a statement that SABC News journalist Heidi Giokos shared that the officer, attached to the Combat Team of the Commission's Recommendations Task Team (CRTT), was not attempting to intimidate anyone or interfere with the proceedings. According to the police service, the member was directing close-protection personnel to take up positions and prepare for a quick exit following the announcement of the court postponement, ensuring the safety of prosecutors and investigators in attendance.
Why the gestures raised alarm
The clip drew significant attention because the officer appeared to be signalling toward the investigating officer in the case, prompting speculation about possible intimidation or interference with the legal process. SAPS acknowledged that, when viewed without operational context, the gestures were understandably alarming to members of the public.
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The police service added that the officer has since been cautioned to exercise restraint when using non-verbal communication in public and courtroom settings, where such signals can easily be misread.
Read the statement on X here:
Sibiya's charges and bail proceedings
Sibiya was arrested in late September 2026 and faces five serious charges, including rape, trafficking in persons, and the sexual grooming of minors. The State is opposing his release on bail, citing risks to witness safety, the possibility of evidence tampering, and the likelihood of flight.
In his bail affidavit, Sibiya denied the allegations, maintaining that a sexual encounter with an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel was consensual. The case remains before the Randburg Magistrate's Court, with the bail proceedings continuing as the State presses its opposition to his release.
Sibiya moved to Kgosi Mampuru
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Sibiya’s court appearance, the five charges he faces, and his transfer to Kgosi Mampuru prison. The State cited reported escape attempts as the reason for moving the suspended senior officer to a secure facility. His bail hearing is scheduled for 29 September, and prosecutors have said they will oppose bail.
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Source: Briefly News
