Sibiya’s ex-bodyguard ‘undid’ him after Madlanga Commission, State argues

The Madlanga Commission has denied allegations by Serge Cabonge that he has any connection to the inquiry, stating that no commissioner or evidence leader has met, spoken to, or communicated with him. This came after an audio recording attributed to Cabonge was played during the bail application of former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya in the Randburg Magistrate's Court earlier this week. In the recording, Cabonge claimed to know someone at the commission. The commission issued a clarification following the playback of the recording, emphasizing that the allegations are false, incoherent, and unsupported by any facts. It stated that neither commissioners nor evidence leaders had met or spoken to Cabonge, nor had anyone acting on its behalf contacted him directly or through intermediaries regarding his appearance before the inquiry. The commission became aware of the allegations when the recording was played during Sibiya’s bail proceedings. It noted that Cabonge had previously been mentioned during its hearings and that it planned to engage him, obtain a statement, and investigate the matter according to its terms of reference. Initially, the commission intended to allow the process to proceed without further public comment. Public speculation prompted the commission to issue a stronger response, warning against accepting or spreading such allegations without caution, especially when they imply interference in a criminal investigation. Despite its firm denial, the commission said it would continue pursuing the matter through its established procedures and declined to comment further. The dispute occurs as the commission continues its broader inquiry into matters within its mandate, with public hearings set to resume on November 9. Meanwhile, Sibiya’s defense included claims that he had dealt with the Madlanga Commission and 121 dockets, though his former bodyguard’s allegations reportedly undermined these assertions.