The Madlanga commission has heard allegations that Bafana Sindane, a Mpumalanga taxi boss, had police officers at his fingertips, according to WhatsApp messages found on his phone. The messages, presented by chief evidence leader Adv Matthew Chaskalson, suggest that Sindane had a police officer saved on his phone as “Lepara SAPS Highway”, who allegedly offered to provide him with escorts. The chats indicate that Lepara was at Sindane's disposal and even told him that they were available in case he needed an escort.
The commission also heard that Sindane had another exchange with a person saved as “Mashigo SAPS Midrand”, which seemed to be about providing escorts. These allegations emerged on Monday, despite Sindane approaching the Johannesburg high court to block the commission from hearing his testimony and evidence. However, the application was thrown out of court, and Sindane failed to appear before the commission. Chaskalson presented his evidence in Sindane's absence, revealing more details about the alleged extortion scheme.
According to Chaskalson, Sindane allegedly sent threatening messages to businessman Dr Thomas Ntuli after he missed a monthly “protection fee” payment in July 2024. Sindane, along with Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, Mvimbi Masilela, and Philemon Msiza, were arrested in May and charged with extortion and money laundering following a criminal complaint by Ntuli. The group allegedly told Ntuli that the land was theirs and that he needed to pay a protection fee for his operations to continue without disruption.
The commission also heard about R250,000 that Adv Hartley Ngoato allegedly demanded from Sindane and Sibanyoni. Ngoato had represented convicted criminals and alleged hitmen Calvin Gwabo Mahlangu and Tshegofatso Makofane, who were involved in taxi murders. Chaskalson said the WhatsApp exchanges appeared to show that Sibanyoni and Sindane were paying the legal expenses of the two men who had been convicted in separate taxi-related murder cases.
The four accused have denied the allegations and are out on bail. Chaskalson stated that the WhatsApp chats cumulatively suggest that Sibanyoni and Sindane were involved in paying legal expenses of Mahlangu and Makofane, and they would like to find out why. The commission will continue to hear evidence, with Sibanyoni expected to appear on Tuesday.
The alleged extortion scheme and ties to police officers have raised concerns about the involvement of taxi bosses in organized crime. The Madlanga commission aims to uncover the truth behind these allegations and the extent of Sindane's and Sibanyoni's involvement. The case will continue to unfold as more evidence is presented.
Key points
- The WhatsApp chats reveal alleged ties between Bafana Sindane and police officers.
- Sindane was involved in an alleged extortion scheme with Dr Thomas Ntuli.
- The accused have denied the allegations and are out on bail.
