By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, has noted the voice recordings attributed to controversial businessman Serge Cabonge.
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. The recording also refers to a man identified as “Fani”, who is linked to allegations about police intermediaries and criminal networks.
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 alleged that this person had advised him to leave the country and would protect him if his name came up during the commission’s proceedings.
The Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said, “The Commission will engage with Mr Cabonge and obtain his statement as part of its broad investigation into matters falling within its terms of reference and his mention of the Commission in the recording.”
The Commission will not comment further on this matter at this stage, added Michaels.
Meanwhile the Commission has applied to hear evidence of Dr Ntandazo Sifolo, who is the Acting Coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee.
His evidence is expected to cover intelligence structures, organised crime threats and the alleged infiltration of the criminal justice system.
The Commission’s evidence leaders have applied for his testimony, recordings, transcripts and supporting documents to be kept confidential. Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga is yet to rule on the application.