The Madlanga Commission, led by Chief Evidence Leader Matthew Chaskalson, presented WhatsApp messages from taxi boss Oupa 'Bafana' Sindane's phone on Monday, 28 September. The messages raise questions about payments for the legal defence of two men convicted in separate taxi-related murder cases. The inquiry has not made a finding that the payments were linked to the killings. The defendants in question are Calvin Gwabo Mahlangu and Tshegofatso Makofane.
According to Chaskalson, the WhatsApp messages involving Sindane, fellow taxi boss Joe 'Ferrari' Sibanyoni, and attorney Hartley Ngoato appeared to show requests for outstanding legal fees. Ngoato was reportedly owed at least R250,000. The commission wants to ask Sindane and Sibanyoni why they were involved in paying the men's legal expenses. Paying for a person's defence does not, on its own, establish involvement in that person's offence.
Sindane was absent when the messages were presented on Monday, as his urgent application to stop the commission from hearing his evidence was struck off the roll by the Gauteng High Court. The procedural decision did not decide the truth of the allegations in the messages. Sibanyoni has previously denied commissioning or employing hitmen, disputing the meaning evidence leaders attached to the term 'izinkabi', which refers to people who protect taxi bosses and ranks in the taxi industry.
The commission is examining allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. The phone material and the reasons for any legal-fee payments remain matters for the inquiry to test; no conclusion about Sindane's or Sibanyoni's responsibility for the murder cases follows from Monday's presentation. Both men are separately facing extortion and money-laundering charges, which they deny.
Evidence leaders also presented messages they said formed part of an alleged protection-fee arrangement involving a Mpumalanga businessman. Those claims are part of the evidence being tested by the inquiry, not findings against Sindane or Sibanyoni. The inquiry aims to uncover potential wrongdoing and gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The Madlanga Commission's investigation into WhatsApp messages and potential payments for legal defence fees is ongoing. The commission will continue to examine the evidence and hear from relevant parties. The goal is to establish a clear understanding of the facts and determine if any further action is necessary.
The case has garnered significant attention, with many awaiting the commission's findings. The Madlanga Commission's work is crucial in uncovering potential corruption and ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system. The inquiry's outcome will be closely watched by various stakeholders, including the public and law enforcement agencies.
Key points
- The Madlanga Commission is investigating WhatsApp messages that suggest taxi bosses Oupa 'Bafana' Sindane and Joe 'Ferrari' Sibanyoni may have been involved in paying the legal fees of two men convicted of taxi-related murders.
- The inquiry has not made a finding that the payments were linked to the killings, and the allegations remain untested.
- The commission is examining allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system.
