Bail Decision Delayed Again for Ex-Deputy Police Chief

The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed its decision on whether former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya can be released on bail, leaving him in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria for at least another stretch. Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe announced the postponement on Thursday, 15 October, telling the court she needed more time to work through the documents filed during the proceedings. Judgment is now set for Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

The delay leaves the practical question of Sibiya’s detention unresolved while the magistrate weighs two competing case files. The State opposes release outright. Prosecutors argue that if granted bail, Sibiya could flee the country, intimidate witnesses or interfere with evidence. They have also raised allegations that he threatened the father of a 16-year-old girl he is accused of sexually grooming.

By contrast, his defence maintains that he is neither a flight risk nor a danger to witnesses. His lawyer has additionally raised concerns about his health and has challenged parts of the State’s case, including the human trafficking allegations. Whatever the court decides on 20 October will settle only whether he can await trial outside custody; it will not determine guilt or innocence in the criminal case itself.

Meanwhile, the bail proceedings unfold against a shifting professional backdrop. Sibiya resigned from the South African Police Service on 12 October, shortly after disciplinary proceedings against him had begun. SAPS confirmed that his employment ended with immediate effect and classified the departure as a dishonourable discharge because those disciplinary proceedings were still pending.

That internal matter traces back to allegations that surfaced during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is examining alleged corruption and criminal networks within the criminal justice system. His resignation, however, does not resolve the separate criminal charges he faces, which continue on their own track.

For now, the operational picture is straightforward. Sibiya remains behind bars, the magistrate is still reviewing the arguments from both the State and the defence, and all attention turns to 20 October, when the court is expected to deliver its bail judgment.