Zilungile Mkhize
The investigating officer in the rape and sexual grooming case against suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has presented WhatsApp communications between Sibiya and a 16-year-old girl.
The State alleges Sibiya sexually groomed the teenager, who is the daughter of one of his close associates, through electronic communication between July and August this year.
According to the State, the exchanges included sexual advances and sexually explicit material involving the minor.
The investigating officer has read several of the messages to the court, which the State says demonstrate the nature of Sibiya’s communication with the teenager.
Click Below to listen the audio of the investigative officer
The State further alleges that Sibiya received and distributed sexually explicit images and videos involving the teenager and encouraged her to send him additional material.
The court has also heard evidence about the circumstances in which the communications took place and how the messages form part of the investigation into the allegations against Sibiya.
The defence is expected to challenge the State’s interpretation of the messages and the circumstances surrounding the alleged exchanges.
Sibiya faces charges including rape and sexual grooming. He remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The bail application continues.
