NPA says teenagers allegedly sexually assaulted by Sibiya are safe

The NPA said that the teenagers who were allegedly sexually assaulted by suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya are safe.

This follows revelations in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday that one of Sibiya’s close friends allegedly planned to interfere with witnesses shortly after his arrest last week.

The senior police officer spent the entire day in the dock as his bail application was heard.

Sibiya is accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old minor and raping an 18-year-old woman at a hotel in Sandton.

During Sibiya’s first appearance in court last week, one of his close friends, so-called Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela, came to support him.

Maumela was with the Sibiya at a strip club in Sandton when he was arrested.

Last week, Maumela claimed that witchcraft was being used against Sibiya by people who wanted him out of the the South African police service.

But the investigating officer played a recorded phone call in court, in which Maumela was heard saying they needed to find and speak to the 18-year-old woman who was allegedly raped by the senior cop.

NPA Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that the teenagers are safe.

"The witnesses are safe. It was indicated that they are safe and are writing examinations at the moment. Sibiya will return to court tomorrow for the continuation of his bail hearing."