Madlanga Commission | Sindane’s postponement bid dismissed

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has dismissed Mpumalanga taxi boss, Oupa “Bafana” Sindane’s, application to postpone his testimony, ruling that evidence will proceed in his absence.

In a media circular issued on Friday, the Commission said evidence against Sindane would be heard on Monday, 28 September, regardless of whether he appears to testify.

Sindane’s legal team had argued that he was in “spiritual seclusion” and was also unwell, with a medical certificate citing “uncontrollable hypertension, severe sinusitis and flu”.

His counsel, Advocate Thabane Masuku, objected to evidence being led in Sindane’s absence, arguing that allowing him to respond only after the evidence had been presented would be unfair.

“A later objection cannot unbroadcast private communications or restore the presumption of innocence in the public’s minds and we therefore submit that the move should be avoided. It is a matter of public record that Mr. Sindane faces a criminal trial that has, in earnest, not yet begun,” said Advocate Masuku.

Masuku also argued that the Commission should not become a parallel forum where untested evidence could create a public impression of guilt while Sindane’s criminal case remains before the courts.

Commission evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, opposed the postponement, arguing that the inquiry’s tight schedule could not accommodate repeated delays by witnesses.

Sindane has also launched an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court, challenging the Commission’s subpoena and its use of WhatsApp data obtained from his cellphone.

His legal team argues that police seized his electronic devices as part of a separate extortion and money-laundering case, and that sharing the data with the Commission is unconstitutional. The High Court application is set down for 6 October.

Sindane argues that police seized his electronic devices as part of a separate extortion case, and that sharing the data with the commission is unconstitutional.

The Commission, however, maintains that it lawfully obtained the Whatsapp messaged and that the pending court proceedings do not justify delaying Sindane’s testimony.

Sindane is expected to face questions about financial records, stokvel dealings and alleged payments involving fellow taxi boss, Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.

The Commission is also expected to scrutinise WhatsApp conversations previously placed before it, including messages relating to alleged discussions about hiring hitmen.

Sindane has not yet testified before the Commission. He is also a co-accused alongside Sibanyoni in the separate Kwaggafontein extortion and money-laundering case.

The Commission is now set to proceed with evidence relating to Sindane on Monday, whether or not he appears before the inquiry.

#MadlangaCommission |The application for postponement by Mr Oupa Jossiah Sindane is DISMISSED. His testimony must be heard on Monday 28 September 2026 in whatever format and accordingly he must present himself before the commission. pic.twitter.com/oodlauVYd0

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) September 25, 2026

Written by: Odirile Rabalao