Pretoria – Mpumalanga taxi boss Oupa “Bafana” Sindane has turned to the High Court in a bid to stop the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry from compelling him to testify, while his lawyers have submitted a medical certificate seeking a postponement.
Sindane was due to appear before the commission on Wednesday, but his legal team told the inquiry that he was unwell and could not participate effectively in the proceedings.
According to The Citizen, Sindane’s lawyers have also filed an urgent High Court application seeking to block the subpoena and prevent the commission from using WhatsApp messages obtained from his cellphone.
The application was filed on Tuesday night and is scheduled to be heard on 6 October.
BREAKING | SINDANE SEEKS POSTPONEMENT
Taxi boss **Oupa “Bafana” Sindane’s legal team has brought a postponement application before the Madlanga Commission.Sindane is expected to be the next witness before the commission, but his legal team is seeking more time before he gives… pic.twitter.com/MouKpq1VgL
— African Vibe Media (@AVMediaza) September 23, 2026
Sindane’s lawyer, Advocate Thabani Masuku, argued that his client’s condition meant he would not be able to properly follow proceedings, even if evidence were presented in his absence.
“The issue is whether in his current condition he’s able to follow, even if you were to flight his evidence, he’s able to follow what is going on,” Masuku said, according to EWN.
WhatsApp evidence challenged
Sindane is also seeking to prevent the commission from accessing or using WhatsApp messages exchanged between him and fellow taxi industry figure Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.
The messages came under scrutiny during Sibanyoni’s testimony, with some exchanges reportedly referring to hitmen. IOL reported that Sindane wants the material blocked pending a review of the subpoena and related evidence.
⚖️ Advocate Baloyi questions explanation for Sindane’s absence
Advocate Baloyi asked Advocate Masuku to clarify why taxi boss Oupa “Bafana” Sindane was not before the Madlanga Commission, given an earlier explanation that he was in spiritual seclusion and a newly submitted… pic.twitter.com/IYDSKFfAJV
— Ngada Attorneys (@attorneysngada) September 23, 2026
As reported by SABC News Sindane was expected to testify about financial records, stokvel dealings, payments allegedly received from Sibanyoni and messages exchanged between the two.
Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson has indicated that the commission should continue dealing with documents relating to Sindane’s testimony while he is unable to testify, but Masuku opposed this approach.
Spiritual seclusion
Sindane’s legal team also raised his claim that he is undergoing spiritual seclusion.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned the relevance of the claim, saying Sindane had not included it in his founding affidavit. Masuku, however, argued that the matter was deliberately kept private.
“We would rather not have media houses digging around to see who Mr Sindane is dancing with or which pot he is poking,” Masuku said, according.
ADV MASUKU DEFENDS SINDANE’S URGENT COURT APPLICATION
Advocate Thabane Masuku, representing Oupa “Bafana” Sindane, says the fact that the matter was brought urgently — or that Sindane acted expeditiously — should not be the focus of criticism.
Masuku says the affidavit provides… pic.twitter.com/wVzAjAsvkd
— African Vibe Media (@AVMediaza) September 23, 2026
Masuku maintained spiritual seclusion was important to his client and should not result in an adverse inference.
Sindane’s testimony was expected to follow that of Sibanyoni, who appeared before the commission earlier this week. The two are co-accused in a separate extortion and money-laundering case relating to allegations that a businessman in Mpumalanga was forced to pay more than R2 million in so-called protection fees.
The High Court application is due to be heard on 6 October, while the commission’s subpoena remains in force pending the court proceedings.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
