South Africa: the justice system refuses bail freedom to the former deputy police chief

South Africa A South African court refused, on Tuesday, the release on bail of Shadrack Sibiya, a former deputy police chief, who is being pursued for several sexual offenses. The Randburg court justified its decision by the absence of exceptional circumstances allowing the release of the former official. It also took into account the arguments of the prosecution, which believes that his release could endanger witnesses. The former senior official is notably accused of raping an 18-year-old woman, human trafficking, and sexual manipulation of a minor. Arrested in September, he resigned from the police at the beginning of the month. His departure was described as an infamous disciplinary dismissal by the police authorities. Suspicion of corruption in the background The case comes at a time when Shadrack Sibiya is also being implicated in the context of a judicial inquiry dedicated to allegations of corruption within the South African police and the presumed links of some of its members with criminal networks. Chaired by the retired judge Mbuyiseni Madlanga, this commission heard accusations stating close relationships between the former official and individuals suspected of belonging to these networks, as well as the presumed receipt of large sums of money and gifts. The prosecution, represented by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), welcomed the judicial decision. Its spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, stated that the prosecutors had presented the necessary evidence to oppose the release on bail and have won the case.