Sibiya rape accuser fears for her safety if he is granted bail
An 18-year-old woman accusing former police official Shadrack Sibiya of rape has expressed deep fear for her safety if he is granted bail. The prosecution revealed that the complainant has faced alleged interference and intimidation attempts during the legal process.
Why it matters
The case raises significant concerns regarding witness protection and the integrity of the judicial process in high-profile sexual assault cases.
JOHANNESBURG - One of the complainants in the case against Shadrack Sibiya says she fears for her safety, as well as that of her family and friends, if the former police top cop is released on bail.
The concerns of the 18-year-old woman who has accused Sibiya of rape were detailed in a statement read by state prosecutor Velile Makasana during Sibiya’s bail hearing.
In the statement, the complainant alleges that a friend told her she had been approached by the defence to make a statement contradicting her evidence, but refused.
“My trust in the justice system would be betrayed as I would be exposed to the worst situation."
“This is the kind of interference that is currently at play with such a sensitive case,” she added.
She said the incident had taken a toll on her loved ones, whose lifestyles had changed to accommodate security measures.
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