By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Taxi industry figure Bafana Sindane has turned to the High Court in Pretoria in an urgent bid to halt a subpoena compelling him to testify at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Tshwane.
Sindane filed an urgent application on Tuesday night, seeking to prevent the commission from accessing his WhatsApp messages pending a review of the subpoena and related evidence. He has also submitted a sick note to the Commission.
Sindane, also known as the “King of the Sky”, was expected to testify before the commission on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
His testimony was expected to focus on networks and connections within the taxi industry and would have followed that of his associate and fellow taxi boss, Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.
His lawyer, Advocate Thabane Masuku, opposed evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson’s, proposal to hear evidence about Sindane in his absence, arguing this could prejudice his client, particularly while he faces ongoing criminal proceedings.
They want Sindane excused until he recovers nor concludes his High Court proceedings.
Masuku asked the Commission to respect Sindane’s medical condition and spiritual journey, insisting that this should not be viewed as an attempt to delay proceedings.
That explanation drew scrutiny from Chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who questioned why Sindane’s legal team was relying on spiritual seclusion when, according to him, Sindane’s affidavit did not elaborate sufficiently on the issue.
Masuku maintained that Sindane had provided his reasons and that his lawyers were simply putting them forward in his support.
Advocate Mpati Xofa, also representing Sindane challenged the Commission’s access to information obtained from Sindane’s cellphone by the Hawks.
She argued that the search-and-seizure warrant authorised the Hawks to access the cellphone, but did not automatically extend that authority to the Commission.
Justice Madlanga pushed back, saying the information was already in the hands of the State, raising the question of whether another state institution could access it.
Sindane is due to appear in the North Gauteng High Court on 6 October to challenge Commission’s access to his cellphone and the subpoena compelling him to testify.
The evidence leader rejected any suggestion that Sindane should first conclude his court battles before appearing before the Commission.
Chaskalson urged the Commission not to treat Sindane as a “special witness”, arguing accommodating his various legal challenges could consume valuable time.
The ruling on Sindane’s postponement application is expected on Friday, 25 September 2026. He is also facing criminal charges linked to an extortion scheme involving more than R2 million.