Sibiya’s wife tells court ‘Mr M’ wanted to drop charges against her husband
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Sizakele Dlamini, wife of suspended deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, has submitted an affidavit to the court claiming that “Mr M”, the father of the complainant, reached out proposing a meeting to withdraw charges against her husband.
Sibiya appeared before the Randburg magistrate’s court for the continuation of his formal bail application. He faces charges including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming.
During the proceedings, Sibiya’s legal team presented Dlamini’s affidavit to support her husband’s bail application after the state accused Sibiya of attempting to intimidate and influence Mr M, whose 16-year-old child is central to the grooming allegations.
In her affidavit, Dlamini detailed phone calls and messages she allegedly received from both a church figure and Mr M.
On September 23, Dlamini stated she had a phone conversation with a person referred to as “the apostle,” an assistant pastor at ECG Church who has provided counselling to the family for six months. During the call, the apostle informed her that Mr M wanted to visit her home to discuss Sibiya’s arrest and was willing to drop the case.
“The apostle informed me that the idea originated from Mr M, and that he had not wished to initiate the discussion himself as he did not know how it would be received,” the affidavit read.
When Dlamini asked why Mr M wished to withdraw the charges, the apostle reportedly explained that Mr M felt troubled after seeing Sibiya weeping in court. Furthermore, the apostle claimed Mr M was uncomfortable after certain individuals urged him to “give the guy to them.” Mr M allegedly expressed a desire to address the matter directly with the family and set it aside.
Fearing a setup, Dlamini told the apostle she was unwilling to speak with Mr M. She stated they agreed not to entertain the proposal and concluded the call in prayer.
The next day, September 24, the apostle visited Dlamini’s home for a prayer session with her family. Dlamini stated the pastor reiterated Mr M’s desire to meet and withdraw the charges, adding that Mr M felt pressured by individuals named “Mr Khumalo” and “Mkhwanazi” to provide more information about Sibiya.
Dlamini again declined, advising the apostle that her family did not wish to meet with Mr M and that he should proceed with the case. She noted that no further discussions were held with the pastor on the matter.
“Neither I nor any member of the family at any stage requested or instructed the apostle to make contact with Mr M or any other person linked to the matter,” Dlamini stated.
She further clarified the relationship between Sibiya and Mr M, confirming that Mr M was never employed by Sibiya and was known to her only as a friend of her husband.
Later that evening at about 11pm, Dlamini missed a call from Mr M while taking a shower. Upon noticing the missed call, she called Sibiya’s mother into the room to record the conversation before returning the call.
During the call, Mr M allegedly asked if she recognised his voice, which she confirmed. He explained his reasons for laying the charges and confirmed he had contacted the apostle to arrange a meeting with the family. Dlamini reiterated that she had no interest in meeting him.
On October 2, Mr M sent Dlamini several WhatsApp messages, including a lengthy text, two images, and a voice note. In the messages, Mr M expressed frustration over how Sibiya’s defence was presenting him in court.
Viewing the messages as threatening, Dlamini blocked his number and ceased all communication.
In her statement, Dlamini emphasised that all contact was initiated by Mr M.
“This is entirely inconsistent with any suggestion that the applicant and his family sought to approach, influence, or exert pressure upon him,” she maintained.
The court also received an affidavit from Victor Monamodi, Sibiya’s cousin, corroborating Dlamini’s account.
The matter has been postponed to Tuesday for further hearing.
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