Former presidential adviser and ANC national executive committee member Dr Bejani Chauke has remained silent after the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry reportedly gave him 10 days to explain his WhatsApp conversations with the late taxi boss Jotham Mswazi Msibi.

African Times contacted Chauke on Wednesday to obtain his response to the notice and give him an opportunity to explain his side of the story as part of the publication’s commitment to fair, factual and balanced reporting.

His mobile phone indicated that he was online, but he did not respond to questions sent to him by the time of publication.

Chauke, who previously served as an adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa, is reportedly consulting with his legal team and is expected to respond to the commission.

The notice, issued under Rule 10.6 of the commission’s rules, concerns WhatsApp conversations between Chauke and Msibi, which reportedly date back to 2022 and 2023.

The exchanges have come under scrutiny following the extraction of data from Msibi’s cellphone, which has allegedly revealed connections involving police personnel, private business interests and sensitive surveillance technology.

Among the allegations being examined are claims that Msibi, suspended South African Police Service Sergeant Fannie Nkosi and private associates used fraudulent police credentials and official SAPS stamps to obtain cellphone interception and jamming equipment worth approximately R1 million from European suppliers.

The equipment was allegedly intended for resale to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The messages reportedly include discussions relating to state security, raising questions about the nature of the relationships between individuals whose communications appeared on Msibi’s phone.

Other WhatsApp exchanges allegedly involved senior legal and security figures discussing ways to influence prosecutions, including strategies to close cases without attracting suspicion.

The allegations form part of the broader issues being examined by the commission. The contents of the messages, however, do not in themselves establish criminal wrongdoing by everyone mentioned in the communications.

Meanwhile, retired Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya previously testified about an interaction with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan concerning the investigation linked to Msibi.

Lebeya told the commission that O’Sullivan contacted him seeking an update on the investigation while saying he was with Chauke, whom he described as his friend.

According to Lebeya’s testimony, O’Sullivan said he was sitting with a doctor friend and wanted to know how far the investigation had progressed.

The exchange has added another dimension to questions surrounding the relationships between people mentioned during the commission’s proceedings.

Chauke’s response to the Rule 10.6 notice is expected to provide the commission with an opportunity to obtain his account of the communications under scrutiny.

The notice does not, on its own, mean that Chauke has been found guilty of wrongdoing.

The developments have also prompted debate on social media, with some users questioning the nature of the relationships between people associated with the president and individuals linked to alleged criminal activities.

One X user argued that the notice had placed Chauke’s communications with Msibi under scrutiny, adding that the commission should investigate matters within its mandate.

The user also raised concerns about the possibility of senior political figures associating with people linked to the underworld, while acknowledging that the comments were personal observations rather than established facts.

Another user called on the commission to issue a similar notice to Ramaphosa, writing: “Madlanga must stop skirting around the issue and issue a 10(6) against Cyril Ramaphosa.”

A third user said it would be interesting to see whether Chauke would be required to testify in person or submit a statement, and what further information might emerge.

The online reactions reflect public interest in the commission’s work, although social media comments do not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.

The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate allegations of criminality, corruption and improper interference within the criminal justice system.

As the inquiry continues, Chauke’s response to the notice could help clarify the nature and context of his communications with Msibi.

African Times will continue to seek comment from Chauke and report any response received.