Simon Majadibodu|Published
The Randburg Magistrate's Court heard that former top cop Shadrack Sibiya, who is facing rape and sexual grooming charges among others, allegedly met a lot of girls through controversial socialite Serge Cabonge.
The State played a 25-minute recording of a conversation between Cabonge and Mr M, an associate of Sibiya, on Tuesday.
During the conversation, Cabonge suggested that Sibiya had met several women through him, including actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, the former girlfriend of businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Cabonge claims Sibiya knew Thobejane
In the recording, Mr M disputed Cabonge’s suggestion that Sibiya knew Thobejane.
“But General, General (Sibiya) doesn’t know Tebogo,” Mr M said.
Cabonge disagreed, responding, “No, he knows … me, I am sitting with General and Tebogo a couple of times.”
Mr M expressed surprise and said Sibiya had told him that he did not know Thobejane.
Cabonge suggested that Sibiya might have forgotten meeting her because he had met many women in his company.
“Maybe it’s because he met a lot of girls around me. You understand that? Maybe it’s because he met a lot of girls around me, that’s why, do you understand?” Cabonge said.
The exchange formed part of the evidence presented by the State during Sibiya’s bail proceedings.
Thobejane’s name in Matlala murder trial
Thobejane, who is known for her role in the television drama Muvhango, was previously in a relationship with Matlala.
She was shot in the foot during a shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023.
A female passenger in the vehicle sustained severe spinal injuries and was left paralysed.
The incident forms part of a case being heard in the Johannesburg High Court, where Matlala and four co-accused face charges linked to alleged murder plots.
The State alleges that three separate plots were orchestrated between August 2022 and January 2024, targeting Sibanyoni, Thobejane and music producer Seunkie “DJ Vetteys” Mokubong.
Matlala is accused alongside alleged gunmen Musa Kekana and Tiego Floyd Mabusela, his wife, Tsakani, and Nthabiseng Zandile Nzama.
The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, money laundering and fraud.
Kekana, Mabusela and Matlala remain in custody, while Tsakani and Nzama are out on bail.
Matlala and his four co-accused have pleaded not guilty to all 25 counts on the indictment, including attempted murder charges that carry the possibility of life imprisonment.
Sibiya faces rape, grooming and human trafficking charges
The State alleges that Sibiya raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel on May 15 after she was allegedly given alcohol and lost consciousness.
He is also accused of sexually grooming a 16-year-old girl through WhatsApp between July and August, as well as possessing and distributing sexually explicit images of the teenager.
The girl’s father, identified in court as Mr M, is described as an associate of Sibiya.
In a separate allegation, the State claims that Sibiya trafficked three people for sexual exploitation.
Sibiya has denied the allegations against him.
Resignation from SAPS
Sibiya’s court appearance follows his resignation from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on October 12, 2026.
His resignation, submitted by his legal representative while disciplinary proceedings were under way, resulted in the immediate termination of his employment and the loss of his rank as a lieutenant-general.
The SAPS said the disciplinary hearing had already commenced when his resignation was tendered.
The police service described his departure as a dishonourable discharge, citing the outstanding disciplinary case at the time of his resignation.
Sibiya’s bail application is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
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