Bishop Maumela retracts 'threats' on Ramaphosa, SAPS, after Sibiya court appearance - IOL

Bishop Maumela has apologised for the allegations he made outside the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Bishop “Man of God” Maumela has retracted his claims on President Cyril Ramaphosa, the police and the Madlanga Commission, withdrawing the allegations and apologising just a day after making them outside court.

He made the remarks on Tuesday following the appearance of Sibiya at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.

Maumela said he was with Sibiya when police arrived to arrest him at a Sandton establishment.

He told journalists that they were very close friends.

Maumela also alleged that Sibiya’s arrest was politically motivated and linked to a power struggle within the South African Police Service (SAPS) over the succession to the country’s top policing post.

He further accused the authorities of targeting people who challenged institutional wrongdoing and compared the alleged conduct to political persecution during apartheid.

But on Wednesday, Maumela pulled back from those claims.

In a statement, he withdrew his remarks saying he had not intended to threaten or intimidate anyone.

“I also withdraw my remarks concerning the President, law enforcement agencies, and the Mandlanga Commission. I did not intend to threaten, harm, or intimidate anyone,” he said.

The bishop accepted responsibility for the way he handled his media engagement and issued an apology.

“I accept full responsibility for the manner in which I handled the media engagement and sincerely apologise for my conduct,” he said.

Maumela acknowledged that greater restraint was required, particularly because the criminal proceedings involved allegations concerning a minor.

He said he had taken advice and accepted that sensitive matters should be approached with responsibility and respect for due process.

He also said he would no longer comment publicly on the case while the appropriate legal processes continue.

“Going forward, I will refrain from making further public comments on this matter and allow the appropriate processes to take their course,” he said.

Sibiya faces several serious allegations. He is accused of raping an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel after allegedly plying her and friends with alcohol at a strip club.

He is also accused of grooming a 16-year-old girl, including allegedly exchanging explicit WhatsApp messages with her.

A further trafficking-in-persons charge relates to allegations that victims were recruited and transported for sexual exploitation.

Meanwhile, Sibiya remains in custody pending his formal bail hearing on September 29, 2026.