WhatsApp messages presented to the Madlanga Commission have detailed allegations that taxi bosses Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and Bafana “King of the Sky” Sindane used threats, intimidation and the prospect of violent disruption to extract money from businessmen operating in Mpumalanga.
The allegations were made by businessman Dr Tengane Thomas Ntuli, who opened a R2 million extortion case against Sibanyoni and Sindane.
According to his affidavit, the two men told him that the land was theirs and that he would have to pay a “protection fee” to ensure his operations continued without interference.
This is after he had scored a South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) tender to upgrade the Moloto road, passing Kwaggafontein.
The alleged arrangement was said to have started in July 2021, with Ntuli claiming he was expected to pay R100,000 a month until 2025.
Sibanyoni previously told the commission that the payments were meant for the stokvel.
The commission heard on Monday how the alleged demands were communicated and enforced.
Leading the evidence, Advocate Matthews Chaskalson SC read a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Sindane to Ntuli after a payment was missed in July 2024.
“Good day bab’ Ntuli, I’m sad and disappointed to have to write another message to you to chase for payment,” Sindane allegedly wrote.
He referred to what he described as an earlier agreement involving a 60/40 split with Sibanyoni and complained that the amount being paid had subsequently been reduced.
“You used to pay us R100,000, but I’m now left confused as to why you’ve reduced the payment yet again,” the message allegedly stated.
Sindane then questioned why Ntuli’s operation was continuing while the payments were allegedly not being made in full.
The message ended with a demand for an explanation within 48 hours and the warning that the operation could be stopped.
“I demand a response, within 48 hours, detailing why the operation should not be stopped so that you can come and account for what’s going on,” Sindane allegedly wrote.
Ntuli further alleged that in November 2025, Msiza told him that his mining company’s operations would be stopped if another payment was not made.
In his affidavit, Ntuli said the alleged payments were damaging his business because a large portion of its profits was going to the group.
Chaskalson told the commission that the affidavits and WhatsApp exchanges pointed to what he characterised as an alleged “extortion racket” involving threats of violence.
“What we see in the affidavits of Ntuli and the chats is essentially an extortion racket enforced with threats of violence,” Chaskalson said.
The allegations have resulted in criminal charges. Sibanyoni, Sindane, Msiza and Mvimbi Masilela 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.
The commission also heard evidence concerning alleged payments towards the legal defence of two men convicted of taxi-related murders.
Chaskalson referred to WhatsApp exchanges involving an attorney who repeatedly sought payment from Sindane for representing Gwabo Mahlangu and Tshegofatso Makofane.
He told the commission that the messages appeared to suggest Sibanyoni and Sindane were involved in paying the legal expenses of the two convicted men.
“What these chats cumulatively suggest is that Sibanyoni and Sindane were involved in paying legal expenses,” Chaskalson said, questioning the reasons for their alleged involvement.
Sindane was not at the commission to respond to the WhatsApp message read into evidence.
Earlier on Monday, the High Court in Pretoria struck Sindane’s urgent application to stop the commission from hearing his testimony off the roll.
This means he has to testify before the commission.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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