Madlanga Commission Comes for Cyril Ex Right-Hand Man Over Dead Taxi Boss

South Africa’s Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has turned its attention to another high-profile figure after former presidential political adviser and current African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee member Bejani Chauke was served with a formal notice requiring him to explain his WhatsApp conversations with the late taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi.

The development, reported on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, has raised fresh questions about the people who communicated with Msibi, whose cellphone records have become an important source of evidence in the commission’s investigation into alleged criminal networks and possible links between businesspeople, police officials and influential public figures.

According to eNCA, the commission issued Chauke a Rule 10.6 notice seeking answers about his relationship with Msibi and their communications, which reportedly date back to 2022 and 2023. Chauke was serving as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political adviser during part of that period.

The notice requires Chauke to account for the nature of his relationship with Msibi and explain the exchanges that have attracted the commission’s attention.

Chauke is reportedly consulting his legal team and has been given 10 days to respond. It remains unclear whether he will be required to testify publicly or whether his written response will initially satisfy the commission’s request.

The inquiry is examining material recovered from Msibi’s cellphone, including WhatsApp messages that have raised questions about alleged dealings involving sensitive security technology, business interests and government-related matters.

Msibi, who died in January 2024, has featured prominently in evidence presented to the commission. His cellphone records have reportedly revealed communications involving various individuals, including police personnel and private business figures.

During an earlier sitting, evidence leaders presented messages allegedly relating to a plan to acquire sophisticated cellphone interception equipment from a European supplier under the representation that it was intended for the South African Police Service, before allegedly reselling it in Eswatini.

The messages formed part of the commission’s broader investigation into suspected criminal networks and possible interference in the criminal justice system. However, allegations contained in recovered communications must still be examined in context and do not automatically establish wrongdoing by everyone mentioned.

Chauke’s response could help clarify the nature of his communications with Msibi and why the commission considers them relevant to its investigation.

The development is particularly significant because of Chauke’s former position in the Presidency and his continued role within the ANC’s national leadership.

However, receiving a notice from an inquiry does not establish guilt or prove that an individual participated in criminal activity.

For now, the commission is seeking answers, and Chauke’s response is expected to provide further clarity as investigators continue examining the material recovered from the late taxi boss’s cellphone.

https://x.com/i/status/2115005598366589047

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