Former police deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya remains in custody as his bail hearing continues in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. Image credit Itumeleng English
A recording played at the bail hearing of former police deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya contains explosive claims that he sent people to kill actress Tebogo Thobejane. The Sibiya Thobejane recording captures a phone call between socialite Serge Cabonge and the father of the teenage girl at the centre of Sibiya’s criminal case.
The Randburg Magistrate’s Court heard the roughly 20 minute recording on Tuesday. To protect the identity of his daughter, the court referred to the father only as Mr M. Investigating officer Sergeant Nokukhanya Ndlovu confirmed the identities of both speakers.
Importantly, none of the claims in the recording has been tested or proven. Sibiya faces no charges related to Thobejane, and he has previously denied any links to Matlala.
What the Sibiya Thobejane recording claims
During the call, Mr M allegedly suggested that Sibiya did not know Thobejane. However, Cabonge rejected that idea. According to reports from the hearing, he insisted that Sibiya knew her well and had sat with both of them on several occasions. Cabonge then allegedly described Sibiya as a killer and claimed that Sibiya had sent people to kill Thobejane.
Thobejane survived a drive by shooting in Sandton in October 2023. Two of her companions also survived, although one of them was left paralysed. Her former partner, businessman Vusimuzi Cat Matlala, and two alleged hitmen are currently on trial for that shooting. Police have never charged Sibiya in connection with the attack.
In addition, Cabonge allegedly repeated claims that Sibiya often received money from Matlala. However, he denied acting as a middleman between the two men. Instead, he claimed that any dealings went through suspended police sergeant Fannie Nkosi. He also said he never collected money from Matlala on Sibiya’s behalf.
Furthermore, Cabonge allegedly claimed that Sibiya called him from custody and asked to borrow R200 000. He also spoke about separate financial dealings with a businessman he called Morgan, and described the money he received as petrol money.
The recording also touched on the Madlanga Commission. Cabonge allegedly claimed that someone at the commission had advised him to leave the country. He also claimed that he helped a former judge president’s daughter get criminal charges withdrawn after a car crash in Sandton. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the commission will engage with Cabonge and obtain a statement from him.
The two sides disagree about what the recording means. The state argues that it is relevant to Sibiya’s character and to concerns that he could interfere with witnesses if released. Meanwhile, Sibiya’s defence argued that the investigating officer could not explain a conversation she was not part of. Counsel told the court that it cannot take one clip out of context. The defence also claims that someone forwarded the recording to Sibiya’s wife, Sizakele Dlamini, as part of an attempt to pressure her over money or the withdrawal of the case.
Sibiya faces charges that include rape and the sexual grooming of a child. The charges relate to a 16 year old girl and an 18 year old woman. He denies all the charges. Police arrested him on 21 September, and he has remained in custody since then. Earlier this week, he resigned from SAPS after disciplinary proceedings began. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe described his exit as a dishonourable discharge.
Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe postponed the bail hearing, citing safety concerns and the risk of witness intimidation. Sibiya remains in custody.
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