Former ANC regional treasurer linked to Madlanga Commission arrested at OR Tambo airport

The Madlanga Commission has firmly rejected allegations of interference in a criminal investigation, categorizing the claims as "false, incoherent and not supported by any facts". These allegations emerged from a voice recording used during the bail proceedings of former deputy national police commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Serge Cabonge, at Randburg Magistrate’s Court on October 13th.

During the recording, Cabonge claimed to know someone who "sits in front" at the Madlanga Commission, alleging senior figures within the inquiry sought to influence a criminal case involving his girlfriend’s daughter. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels disclosed that the Commission first learned of the allegations from the recording's appearance in court, initially intending to engage Cabonge and investigate the matter according to its terms of reference.

However, mounting public speculation prompted the Commission to issue a more detailed response. Michaels emphasized that the allegations were entirely unfounded, stating categorically that the Commission had no factual basis to support the claims. He stressed the Commission's commitment to its mandate, which is to investigate criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system, including law enforcement and intelligence structures.

The Commission, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, continues to conduct its proceedings independently and transparently, rejecting any suggestion that its representatives acted outside their parameters. Michaels urged the public to treat such allegations with caution, distinguishing between unverified claims and established facts.

Despite the controversy, the Commission affirmed that its work would proceed without interruption, with public hearings resuming on November 9th, 2026.