The bail hearing of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya was adjourned shortly before 1pm on Wednesday, with the Randburg Magistrates’ Court ordering that proceedings resume on 13 October.

Sibiya, 59, remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, where he is being held while the State opposes his release on bail.

He faces charges including rape, human trafficking, sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl and contravening the Firearms Control Act. He is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman and sexually grooming the minor.

The State alleges that Sibiya could interfere with witnesses or otherwise jeopardise the investigation if released.

Detective Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu, the investigating officer attached to the Commission Recommendations Task Team, has been central to the State’s opposition to bail. She has told the court that there is sufficient evidence against Sibiya and that his release could pose a danger to complainants and other witnesses.

The State has previously relied on recordings allegedly involving Sibiya and Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela in arguing that there are concerns about possible witness interference.

On Wednesday, the court also dealt with evidence contained in an affidavit deposed to by Sibiya’s wife, Sizakele Dlamini, in support of his bail application.

Dlamini’s affidavit dealt, among other things, with the circumstances surrounding “Mr M”, the father of the 16-year-old girl at the centre of the sexual grooming allegations.

According to the affidavit, Mr M was not employed by Sibiya.

Dlamini told the court that she had received a telephone call from the family’s “Apostle”, who allegedly explained that Mr M intended to withdraw the charges against Sibiya.

The affidavit states that Mr M allegedly wanted to contact the grandmother of the minor in an attempt to persuade the family to abandon the sexual grooming allegations.

However, according to the account attributed to the Apostle, Mr M was allegedly under pressure from two people identified as “Khumalo” and “Mkhwanazi”, who wanted him to continue with the charges.

Dlamini further stated that the Apostle told her Mr M had become concerned after seeing Sibiya crying in court.

The evidence was part of the defence’s broader argument in support of Sibiya’s release.

The State has, however, raised concerns about alleged attempts to influence people connected to the case. Ndlovu previously told the court that she believed Sibiya could interfere with witnesses if released. She also testified that communications involving Mr M raised concerns about possible intimidation.

The investigating officer has also asked the court to take into account an alleged threat involving Bishop Maumela.

The State’s concern is that potential witnesses could be placed at risk if information identifying them becomes known to the accused or people close to him. Ndlovu has previously referred to an incident in which a witness was killed after the accused allegedly became aware that the witness’s name had appeared in an affidavit.

The prosecution’s case is that the circumstances surrounding the alleged communications and recordings demonstrate why Sibiya should remain behind bars while the investigation and prosecution proceed.

Sibiya’s defence has challenged aspects of the State’s case and the evidence presented against him.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, his legal representative also raised concern about the length of the bail proceedings.

“However, I want to place my concern on the record that this matter has been now going for two weeks. It is something that should come to some kind of conclusion at this point in time,” the advocate told the magistrate.

The magistrate responded that the court had to prioritise other matters as well.

The defence also raised the issue of additional affidavits and statements expected from the State.

The prosecutor confirmed that the State would make the statements available to the defence, while also asking the defence to provide a clip that it had undertaken to make available to the prosecution.

The exchange came as the court worked through outstanding material before ultimately postponing the bail application.

“Please stand up, sir. I am postponing your matter until the 13th of October, you are in custody. Thank you,” the magistrate told Sibiya.

Sibiya stood and acknowledged the postponement.

Before leaving the dock, he waved towards the gallery where members of his family and supporters were seated. Earlier, he had been seen interacting with his daughter.

The lengthy bail proceedings have seen the court hear detailed allegations about the events leading to Sibiya’s arrest and the State’s concerns about possible interference with witnesses.

The State has presented evidence from Ndlovu about alleged communications between Sibiya and people connected to the case, as well as allegations concerning the 16-year-old and the separate rape complaint involving an 18-year-old.

Sibiya denies the allegations against him.

The State continues to oppose his release, while his defence is seeking his freedom on bail.

The matter will return to the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 13 October 2026, with Sibiya remaining in custody until then.