The Madlanga Commission has heard allegations that taxi bosses Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni and Bafana "King of the Sky" Sindane used threats and intimidation to extract R2 million from a businessman, Dr. Tengane Thomas Ntuli. According to Ntuli's affidavit, the two men claimed the land was theirs and demanded a "protection fee" to ensure his operations continued without interference. This was after Ntuli secured a tender from the South African National Roads Agency to upgrade the Moloto road.
The alleged arrangement started in July 2021, with Ntuli claiming he was expected to pay R100,000 a month until 2025. WhatsApp messages presented to the commission detailed the alleged demands and enforcement. One message allegedly sent by Sindane to Ntuli in July 2024, after a payment was missed, read: "Good day bab' Ntuli, I'm sad and disappointed to have to write another message to you to chase for payment." Sindane referred to an earlier agreement and complained about the reduced payment amount.
The messages allegedly sent by Sindane and Sibanyoni pointed to an extortion racket enforced with threats of violence, according to Advocate Matthews Chaskalson SC. Chaskalson led the evidence and characterized the allegations as an "extortion racket" involving threats of violence. The affidavits and WhatsApp exchanges revealed a pattern of intimidation and demands for payment.
The allegations have resulted in criminal charges against Sibanyoni, Sindane, Philemon Msiza, and Mvimbi Masilela. The four were arrested in May 2026 and charged with extortion and money laundering following Ntuli's complaint. All four have denied the allegations and are out on bail. Sindane had approached the court to block WhatsApp messages retrieved from his devices from being used at the Madlanga Commission.
However, the High Court in Pretoria struck Sindane's urgent application off the roll, meaning he has to testify before the commission. The commission is set to lay criminal charges against fired Crime Intelligence major-general Feroz Khan after he failed to appear before the inquiry despite being given the option to testify virtually. Khan's application for a postponement was dismissed by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Madlanga found that Khan had disregarded a subpoena that had been legitimately issued by the commission. Khan's lawyer, Mohammed Valey, rejected the suggestion that his client had deliberately ignored the subpoena. The hearing continues, and the commission's secretary will be approached to lay criminal charges against Khan.
The Madlanga Commission's findings highlight the alleged corrupt activities of some taxi bosses in Mpumalanga. The commission's investigation into the extortion racket and other allegations continues.
Key points
- Taxi bosses allegedly used WhatsApp to extort R2 million from a businessman.
- The alleged extortion racket involved threats of violence and intimidation.
- Four individuals have been arrested and charged with extortion and money laundering.
