Socialite Serge Cabonge claims to be close friends with Shadrack Sibiya and Vusumuzi Matlala

Popular socialite and businessman Serge Cabonge claims he is close friends with suspended top cop, General Shadrack Sibiya, and controversial figure, Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Cabonge has been responding to claims that he played a role in the attempted hit on actress and socialite, Tebogo Thobejane.

Matlala has been charged with a crime and is applying for bail in the Alexandra Magistrates Court.

Serge Cabonge, a man known as a blesser and a high flyer in Johannesburg’s entertainment scene, has denied playing any role in the attempted hit on Thobejane.

Last week, the Sunday World reported that in an affidavit, Thobejane claimed that she suspected that Cabonge had told Matlala that she suspected his involvement in the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran.

Thobejane allegedly believes that’s why Matlala called a hit on her.

But speaking on the Clement Manyathela Show, Cabonge has denied this.

Cabonge further claims to be friends with suspended Crime Intelligence boss, Shadrack Sibiya, and attempted murder accused, Matlala.

"I know the general – everybody knows the general - for many years. I have got a close relationship with him for many years. Not in a bad way. Like everyone who are friends with him."

In July, KZN top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi claimed that police officers were involved in corrupt activities with criminals, politicians and members of the judiciary.

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