Well-known Thomas Mandla Sibia was remanded in custody today on charges of rape
Well-known Thomas Mandla Sibia, was remanded in custody yesterday, 1 March 2023, on charges of rape. He is known for his work at the Siyanqoba Art Centre in eMbalenhle.
Sibia had been arrested on two previous occasions and was granted bail on both charges. This time Magistrate Roos decided to remand him in custody.
In his bail application, Sibia made mention of his involvement in the community as well as in art. His centre, Siyanqoba, aims to help homeless children and some that are involved in drugs.
Sibia was represented by Adv Moloti. Adv Moloti read his statement into evidence as well as that of a member of a ward committee that supported the application for bail.
During the reading of the statement, Moloti stated (Sibia stated in his statement) that the charges against him were violating his rights. During cross-examination, the state prosecutor wanted to know what rights were violated but Magistrate Roos said that the line of questioning is irrelevant.
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The state argued that the charges in the other bail applications that date back to 2018 involved minors. This case is already in the regional court. The state then asked about the merits of the previous cases and Roos questioned the line of examination. The state withdrew those questions.
The rape that Sibia was charged with in the newest case was one that dated back to 2013. Moloti argued that it would appear that Sibia is released only to face an arrest again. All the cases should be joined into one. So far 6 charges were made against Sibia.
Sergeant Nicole Nkosi is the investigating officer and she said that they are opposed to bail. She said that the community’s women and children cannot be safe as all the victims are minors. She said that the accused, Sibia, had a tendency to rape minors.
Nkosi then testified that DNA results have now been received which links Sibia to the 2013 case.
Roos then questioned that if the state was not satisfied with the previous bail and that by the second granting of bail, it was established that he was a serial rapist, why did they not appeal the bail. He asked what has changed.
Magistrate Roos said that he understands Sibia’s circumstances with his children and all the problems that they have. He then stated that the safety of the young girls and women of the community weighs heavier and that they should be protected.
The case was postponed until April 6 and Sibia was remanded in custody
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