Shadrack Sibiya Wiped Phones Before Arrest, Randburg Court Hears During Bail Applications
- The court heard that former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya cleaned his mobile phones shortly before his arrest
- Two complainants, including a minor in witness protection, submitted statements detailing the impact of Sibiya's potential release on bail
- Sibiya's advocate challenged the State's human trafficking evidence as his bail proceedings continue on 15 October 2026
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GAUTENG — Former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya erased the contents of his mobile communication devices shortly prior to his detention, prosecutor Velile Makasana disclosed at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 14 October 2026.
According to Daily Maverick, the State confirmed possession of digital records demonstrating that Sibiya purged his handheld gear. Makasana referenced an exchange from July 2026 wherein the accused queried a minor complainant, ZM, regarding the deletion of their chat history, framing the gesture as indicative of culpability.
SABC News journalist Heidi Giokos posted about Sibiya wiping his phones on her X account. View the tweet here:
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In custody since 21 September 2026, Sibiya is applying for R20,000 bail. He faces six criminal counts, including human trafficking, negligent firearm handling and sexual abuse of an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old. He denies all charges.
Affidavits oppose his release
Affidavits from both complainants were submitted to oppose his release. ZM, currently under witness protection, cited persistent dread linked to Sibiya’s police background and direct threats to her relatives. The second complainant, MC, described severe emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, and fear of retaliation if bail is granted.
Defence advocate Estelle Killian asserted that victim anxiety should not automatically preclude bail. She described the human trafficking allegations as legal grounds without sufficient proof, stating a third party secured the transport and Sandton hotel room prior to Sibiya’s arrival.
Makasana maintained that the erased phones and deleted messages present compelling proof of guilt. Arguments from the prosecution will wrap up as proceedings resume on 15 October 2026.
Shadrack Sibiya accused of threatening family of victim
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the allegation that Sibiya threatened the family of a 16-year-old victim.
The complainant told the court that Sibiya called while he was filing a criminal docket and said, “I can deal with you very quickly and easily.” Sibiya denies the charges against him.
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Source: Briefly News
