Court Hears How Shadrack Sibiya Allegedly Called Serge Cabonge While in Custody to Borrow R200,000

The Randburg Magistrates’ Court has heard explosive allegations involving former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, after a recording played during his bail application reportedly captured socialite Serge Cabonge claiming that the senior police officer contacted him from custody to borrow R200,000.

The recording was played on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, as proceedings continued in Sibiya’s bail application. The allegations added another layer of controversy to the case against the former top cop, who was arrested in September and faces several charges, including rape.

According to the conversation presented in court, Cabonge was speaking to a man identified only as Mr M, the father of the 16-year-old girl at the centre of one of the charges against Sibiya.

During the recorded discussion, Cabonge allegedly told Mr M that Sibiya had contacted him while in custody and requested R200,000. The recording reportedly lasted approximately 25 minutes or longer and formed part of the evidence considered during the bail proceedings.

The allegations have raised questions about the nature of Sibiya’s relationships and financial dealings with individuals outside the police service. However, the claims contained in the recording remain allegations presented during court proceedings and should not be treated as proven facts.

The recording also addressed allegations that Cabonge acted as an intermediary between businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Sibiya.

Cabonge reportedly rejected the suggestion that he served as a go-between for the two men. Instead, he maintained that any dealings between Matlala and Sibiya were handled through suspended South African Police Service Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

Cabonge also denied collecting money from Matlala on Sibiya’s behalf, insisting that he had never performed such a role.

However, he acknowledged involvement in separate financial transactions connected to Sibiya. During the conversation, Cabonge referred to a businessman he called Morgan and expressed dissatisfaction with what he allegedly received in return for facilitating the dealings.

According to the recording, Cabonge complained that his compensation amounted to little more than petrol money.

His statements could attract further attention as investigators and the court examine the relationships, financial transactions and alleged conduct connected to the former police commissioner.

The recording does not, on its own, establish whether the alleged financial request was made or whether any money changed hands.

Another striking part of the conversation involved Cabonge’s claim that he knew an individual who occupied a prominent position at the Madlanga Commission.

Cabonge allegedly described the person as a former judge president of a major court and claimed that he had assisted the individual with a criminal matter.

According to Cabonge’s account, he helped ensure that the charges in the case were withdrawn.

The recording, as described during the proceedings, did not independently establish the truth of this claim. Further details would be required to determine the identity of the person allegedly involved and the circumstances surrounding the criminal matter.

The claim could nevertheless draw attention because of the commission’s examination of allegations involving policing, corruption and possible misconduct within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Sibiya’s bail application has unfolded amid reports of security concerns surrounding his detention.

During an earlier court appearance on 22 September 2026, the State reportedly informed the court that it was aware of alleged escape attempts linked to the senior police officer.

Following those concerns, Sibiya was moved to the Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area in Pretoria, a correctional facility that accommodates inmates under different security classifications.

His detention and the allegations against him have continued to attract public attention because of his former senior position within the police service.

The latest recording introduces additional claims about his alleged financial dealings and connections with prominent individuals.

As the bail proceedings continue, the court will consider the evidence placed before it in determining the application. The allegations involving Cabonge, the reported request for R200,000 and the claims about a figure linked to the Madlanga Commission remain subject to proper scrutiny.

Sibiya’s guilt or innocence in the criminal charges against him has not been established merely by the allegations aired during the proceedings.

Kingnews feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com