Court recording names alleged go-between in Sibiya case
RANDBURG — A recording played during Shadrack Sibiya’s bail application has introduced an allegation that suspended police Sergeant Fannie Nkosi acted as an intermediary between the former deputy national police commissioner and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. The claim emerged as the Randburg Magistrates’ Court continued hearing the state’s opposition to Sibiya’s release.
According report, the recording captured a conversation between businessman Serge Cabonge and a man identified as Mr M, the father of the teenage complainant in the criminal case. Cabonge denied collecting money for Sibiya and alleged that dealings between Sibiya and Matlala were conducted through Nkosi. The recording contains Cabonge’s claims and does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by those named.
The state is opposing bail on grounds that Sibiya could intimidate witnesses or interfere with people connected to the investigation. His defence has previously rejected an allegation that a member of his family approached Mr M with an offer of money to withdraw the case. Sibiya denies the criminal allegations against him and is seeking release on bail.
The prosecution’s case includes allegations of rape, sexual grooming and trafficking in persons. It alleges that Sibiya raped an 18-year-old woman at a Sandton hotel and groomed a 16-year-old girl through WhatsApp communications. These remain allegations before the court, and the bail proceedings have not determined his guilt.
In earlier bail proceedings, Sibiya argued that he was not a flight risk, had strong ties to South Africa and would comply with conditions such as surrendering his passport and reporting to authorities. His affidavit offered R20,000 bail, according to Sunday World. The state maintains that his release would pose risks to the investigation.
Tuesday’s appearance followed Sibiya’s resignation from the South African Police Service on Monday. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said his legal representatives submitted the resignation when disciplinary proceedings began. SAPS classified his departure as a dishonourable discharge because a disciplinary case was outstanding. That employment outcome does not resolve the criminal charges.
Nkosi’s alleged role in communications between Sibiya and Matlala has also featured in reporting on the separate disciplinary allegations arising from the Madlanga Commission. Those matters concern alleged misconduct within the police service and should be distinguished from the sexual-offence case underlying the bail application. Sibiya has denied the corruption allegations against him.
The bail hearing was postponed to Wednesday, 14 October, for continuation. The court has yet to decide whether Sibiya should be released, while the allegations in the recording remain subject to scrutiny during the proceedings.
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