Mpumalanga taxi boss Oupa Bafana Sindane, known as the "King of the Sky," was set to appear before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. However, his testimony was postponed after his legal team filed an urgent High Court application seeking to block his appearance. Sindane's lawyers also sought to prevent the commission from using his WhatsApp messages as evidence. The application was set to be heard on 6 October 2026.
The Madlanga Commission had initially ordered that evidence linked to Sindane be heard on Monday after rejecting his postponement application. Commission Chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga emphasized that the extension of the commission's term to 25 January 2027 did not ease scheduling pressures. Madlanga stated that the extension was not meant to accommodate witnesses who failed to testify on time.
Sindane presented a valid medical certificate indicating he would be fit to return to work on 28 September 2026. Chief Evidence Leader Mathew Chaskalson suggested that Sindane's WhatsApp chats be used as evidence in his absence to avoid delays. However, Sindane objected, claiming it would cause prejudice. The Chairperson ruled that the evidence would proceed on 28 September, allowing Sindane to counter any potential prejudice.
Madlanga noted that if Sindane's condition worsened and he produced a new medical certificate by 28 September, the court would consider a new postponement application. Sindane's testimony was expected to focus on alleged networks and connections within the taxi industry. His associate and fellow taxi boss, Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni, had previously testified before the commission.
Sindane and Sibanyoni are co-accused in an extortion and money-laundering case. The state alleges that between 2022 and 2025, they, along with Mvimbi Daniel Masilela and Philemon Msiza, forced a businessman to pay over R2.2 million in "protection fees." The businessman was allegedly threatened with having his operations shut down if he failed to pay.
Sindane also faces money-laundering charges connected to the proceeds. The Madlanga Commission's hearings aim to uncover the extent of Sindane's involvement in the alleged extortion and money-laundering activities. The commission's findings could have significant implications for the taxi industry in South Africa.
The case against Sindane and his co-accused is ongoing, with the Madlanga Commission's testimony being a crucial part of the state's evidence. The commission's hearings will continue, and Sindane's testimony is expected to provide valuable insights into the alleged networks and connections within the taxi industry.
Key points
- Oupa Bafana Sindane, the "King of the Sky," was expected to testify before the Madlanga Commission on 28 September 2026.
- Sindane faces money-laundering charges connected to the proceeds of an alleged extortion racket.
- The Madlanga Commission's term has been extended to 25 January 2027, but Chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga emphasized that this does not ease scheduling pressures.
