By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has firmly denied allegations made in a voice recording by the controversial businessman Serge Cabonge, dismissing them as false, incoherent, and unsupported by facts.
This follows a recording played during former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s bail hearing, which has brought new allegations about relationships between people linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, police intermediaries and individuals mentioned in the Madlanga Commission.
The recording captures a conversation between Cabonge and a man referred to in court as Mr M, the father of one of the complainants in the criminal case against Sibiya.
The State views the recording as relevant to character evidence and its argument that Sibiya could interfere with witnesses if released on bail.
In the conversation, Cabonge discusses his relationship with Matlala and disputes claims about the nature of his dealings with Sibiya.
One of the most significant parts of the conversation concerns Cabonge’s claim that he knew someone who sat on the Madlanga Commission. According to him, Cabonge that this person had advised him to leave the country and would protect him if his name came up during the commission’s proceedings.
In a statement issued on 15 October 2026, the Commission said none of the commissioners or evidence leaders have met, spoken to or know Cabonge.
It added that nobody acting on behalf of the Commission has ever communicated with him, whether directly or through an intermediary, concerning his appearance before the inquiry.
The Commission noted that it had initially undertaken to engage Cabonge and obtain a statement as part of its broad investigation into matters falling within its terms of reference, including his mention of the Commission in the recording.
It issued the further statement amid growing public commentary that suggested possible interference by senior Commission representatives in a criminal investigation. The Commission urged South Africans to treat allegations of this nature with the necessary caution. Public hearings are scheduled to resume on 9 November 2026.
Sibiya faces charges that include allegations of rape, sexual grooming of a minor and human trafficking. The State has opposed his release on bail, and the recording was presented in the context of character evidence and concerns about possible interference with witnesses.
The Commission’s rejection focuses specifically on the claims linking Cabonge to any commissioner, evidence leader or official communication about protection or appearance before the inquiry.