Bishop Maumela: Retracts Sibiya Defense, Cites Minor Sensitivity

• Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela publicly retracted his strong defense of Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, just one day after making the statements.
• Maumela had initially claimed Sibiya's arrest on rape, trafficking, and child grooming charges was due to an internal police power struggle.
• His retraction cited a need for greater sensitivity, particularly concerning a minor, and included apologies to those affected and specific withdrawals regarding the President, law enforcement, and the Madlanga Commission.
• Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, with the state opposing his bail due to flight risk and witness interference concerns.
• A formal bail hearing for Sibiya is scheduled for September 29 at the Randburg Magistrate's Court.

His subsequent written statement, issued just a day later, represented a complete withdrawal of his earlier remarks, with Maumela acknowledging a critical need for greater sensitivity, particularly given the involvement of a minor in the allegations.

Bishop Azwihangwi Maumela publicly retracted his fervent defense of Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, a mere day after making strong statements outside the Randburg Magistrate's Court. Sibiya, the suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, had been arrested the previous Monday night at a Sandton venue. He faces serious charges including rape, trafficking in persons, and the sexual grooming of a child. During his initial remarks, Maumela characterized Sibiya as a "long-time friend" and a "child of God who grew up in church," asserting that the arrest stemmed from an internal succession battle within the police service rather than the merits of the case itself. He controversially stated that "Police are busy fighting in the boardroom rather than going to hunt the criminals," and drew parallels between Sibiya's situation and past rape allegations against former president Jacob Zuma. Maumela further alleged that senior police generals were "criminals" whose illicit activities would be exposed through a proper lifestyle audit.

His subsequent written statement, issued just a day later, represented a complete withdrawal of his earlier remarks, with Maumela acknowledging a critical need for greater sensitivity, particularly given the involvement of a minor in the allegations.

The very next day, Maumela issued a comprehensive written statement, completely withdrawing all his previous comments. In his statement, he acknowledged that he should have approached the matter with increased sensitivity, especially considering the involvement of a minor in the allegations. He offered an unreserved apology, stating, "I therefore unreservedly withdraw the statements I made and sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been affected or offended by my words." The retraction specifically included his remarks concerning the President, various law enforcement agencies, and the Madlanga Commission. Maumela clarified that his intention was not to "threaten, harm, or intimidate anyone," explaining that his decision to retract came after "serious reflection and consultation" and "advice from people who engaged with me," though he did not disclose the identities of his advisors. He further committed to refraining from making any additional public comments on the matter, vowing to "allow the appropriate processes to take their course."

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. The state has justified his continued detention by citing concerns over a potential risk of escape and the possibility of ongoing interference with witnesses. Sibiya is scheduled to appear back in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on September 29 for a formal bail hearing. The state has already indicated its firm intention to oppose his release on bail. This development underscores the critical importance for legal professionals to advise clients against making public statements that could prejudice ongoing criminal proceedings, especially those involving minors, or risk legal repercussions such as defamation or contempt of court. It also highlights how such retractions can be strategic moves to mitigate legal exposure and influence bail considerations.

This incident underscores the critical importance for legal professionals to advise clients against making public statements that could prejudice ongoing criminal proceedings, especially those involving minors, or risk legal repercussions such as defamation or contempt of court. It also highlights how such retractions can be strategic moves to mitigate legal exposure and influence bail considerations.

Source: Original reporting via Scrolla