Madlanga Commission Faces Media Opposition Over NICOC Chief's In Camera Testimony

• Media organisations challenged an application to hear NICOC head Dr Ntandazo Sifolo's testimony behind closed doors at the Madlanga Commission
• Evidence leaders argued that classified material in Sifolo's testimony required restricted public access, covering intelligence operations and threat assessments
• The commission also moved to obtain a statement from socialite Serge Cabonge over claims made in a voice recording played during Shadrack Sibiya's bail hearing

PRETORIA — Media groups have launched a legal challenge against an application seeking to hold the testimony of National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC) acting head Dr Ntandazo Sifolo behind closed doors at the Madlanga Commission.

IOL reported that evidence leaders brought the motion requesting restricted access during Sifolo’s appearance, arguing that his planned presentation involves classified intelligence documentation. The anticipated testimony covers internal coordination structures, accountability measures, and strategic security threat evaluations.

In a separate development, the commission confirmed plans to obtain a formal statement from socialite Serge Cabonge. The step follows the playing of an audio clip during former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya's court proceedings, in which Cabonge claimed to have intervened in a criminal investigation.

Read also

NPA investigates father of teenage victim in Shadrack Sibiya case

In-Camera Hearing Application Opposed

PRETORIA — The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry convened on Wednesday at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria to hear oral arguments regarding whether Dr Ntandazo Sifolo should testify in camera.

Commission evidence leaders filed for non-public proceedings, maintaining that the classified information is inextricably linked to Sifolo’s testimony. Under the proposal, sensitive documents would be declassified for the judicial panel's internal review but sealed from public release.

Media outlets, including Media24, Daily Maverick, and amaBhungane, filed opposing papers to prevent the closure of proceedings. They argue that oversight of joint intelligence bodies is a matter of critical public interest and that holding private sessions undermines the inquiry's commitment to public transparency.

Commission to interview Serge Cabonge

Meanwhile, inquiry officials are moving to interview Serge Cabonge following claims made in an audio recording introduced at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court during Shadrack Sibiya's bail application.

Read also

NPA to investigate Serge Cabonge’s recording with ‘Mr M’ as concerns flagged in Shadrack Sibiya case

The recording captures Cabonge alleging that he used political and police influence to get traffic collision charges dropped for a family member of an individual linked to the inquiry. The commission firmly rejected the claims as baseless and untrue, but confirmed it will secure Cabonge's sworn affidavit to clear the matter completely.

Suliman Carrim bail postponed

In a related article, Briefly News reported on Suliman Carrim’s postponed bail application, the State’s concerns about his health and his return to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.

Carrim was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport shortly before he was due to fly to Dubai. Prosecutors also cited his admission that he might miss future court appearances if his health did not improve.

Source: Briefly News