- Explosive details came to the surface during the continuation of Shadrack Sibiya's bail application
- A recording was played during proceedings which captured Serge Cabonge in a phone call with Mr M
- Cabonge told Mr M that the former top cop phoned him while he was in custody, asking to borrow money
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — A recording played at the Randburg Magistrates' Court on 13 October 2026, during Shadrack Sibiya's bail hearing, captured socialite Serge Cabonge telling a man identified only as Mr M that Sibiya had contacted him from custody requesting R200,000.
He also claimed that this happened while Sibiya was in custody. The former top cop was arrested in September and faces several charges, including rape.
Mr M is the father of the 16-year-old girl at the heart of one of the charges against the former Deputy National Police Commissioner. The conversation between Cabonge and Mr M formed part of the proceedings, where the recording — reportedly running to 25 minutes or longer — was played before the court.
Cabonge denies acting as a middleman
In the recording, Cabonge disputed claims that he served as a go-between linking businessman Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala and Sibiya.
He maintained that any dealings between the two went through suspended South African Police Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, and stated that he had "never collected any money" from Matlala on Sibiya's behalf.
Cabonge did, however, acknowledge involvement in separate financial transactions connected to Sibiya — referencing a businessman he called "Morgan." He complained that despite facilitating those dealings, Sibiya gave him little in return, describing the compensation as no more than "petrol money."
Claim about Madlanga Commission figure
Among the more striking allegations in the recording, Cabonge claimed to know a person who "sits in the front" at the Madlanga Commission, whom he described as a former judge president of a major court.
According to Cabonge, he assisted this individual with a criminal matter, ensuring that the charges were withdrawn in the case.
General Sibiya moved to Kgosi Mampuru over escape-attempt allegations
Briefly News reported that General Sibiya appeared before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on 22 September 2026.
The State revealed that it was aware of reported escape attempts linked to the senior officer, which led to his move to a secure facility.
He was then moved to Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area, a large maximum- and medium-security prison in Pretoria.
Source: Briefly News