Taxi industry figure Bafana "King of the Sky" Sindane has filed an urgent application with the High Court in Pretoria to prevent the Madlanga Commission from accessing his WhatsApp messages. The application, submitted on Tuesday night, aims to halt a subpoena compelling him to testify. Sindane's move comes as he is expected to appear before the commission. His appearance is linked to an extortion and money-laundering case in which he is a co-accused with taxi industry figure Joe Sibanyoni.
The Madlanga Commission has been scrutinizing messages between Sindane and Sibanyoni, including exchanges that allegedly referred to hitmen. Sibanyoni defended the context of those messages during his testimony on Monday. As an associate of Sibanyoni, Sindane's involvement in the case has raised concerns. The commission has not publicly responded to Sindane's application. For now, the subpoena remains in force, with Sindane expected to appear before the commission.
Sindane faces criminal charges linked to an alleged extortion scheme involving more than R2 million in Mpumalanga. His expected appearance before the Madlanga Commission comes amid these charges. The commission's use of cellphone and WhatsApp material obtained during a criminal investigation has been challenged by Sibanyoni, who argues that it infringes his privacy.
The challenge to the commission's use of phone evidence follows a similar objection raised by Sibanyoni. He questioned the legality of the cellphone and WhatsApp evidence, invoking his right against self-incrimination. The Madlanga Commission's use of such evidence has sparked controversy, with some arguing it is an abuse of power.
Sindane's urgent application seeks to prevent the commission from accessing his WhatsApp messages pending a review of the subpoena and related evidence. The application aims to protect his rights and ensure that the commission does not use evidence that may be deemed inadmissible. The High Court in Pretoria will consider Sindane's application.
The Madlanga Commission's investigation into the taxi industry has led to several high-profile appearances, including those of Sindane and Sibanyoni. The commission is seeking answers about alleged criminal syndicates and extortion schemes in the industry. Its work has resulted in several notices being served to key figures, including a Rule 10.6 notice to Sibanyoni.
The outcome of Sindane's application and his appearance before the Madlanga Commission remain uncertain. The commission's work continues, with a focus on uncovering the truth about alleged extortion schemes and criminal syndicates in the taxi industry. Key points include:
Key points
- Bafana Sindane files urgent application to block Madlanga Commission from accessing his WhatsApp messages.
- Sindane expected to testify at the Madlanga Commission despite his urgent application.
- The Madlanga Commission's use of cellphone and WhatsApp evidence has sparked controversy.
