Taxi Boss Bafana Sindane’s Urgent Bid to Block Madlanga Commission Subpoena Struck Off Court Roll

Mpumalanga taxi industry figure Oupa Jossiah “Bafana” Sindane has suffered another legal setback after an urgent application aimed at blocking his subpoena to appear before the Madlanga Commission was struck off the court roll.

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria struck the application from the roll after Sindane failed to file the necessary court papers, according to reports on Tuesday. 

The development means the legal challenge has not prevented the commission from requiring Sindane to respond to evidence placed before the inquiry.

Sindane sought to challenge commission subpoena

Sindane had approached the court as part of an effort to prevent himself from being compelled to testify before the Madlanga Commission.

The commission has been examining material involving Sindane and his associate, taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.

Sindane and Sibanyoni are also co-accused in a separate criminal case involving allegations of extortion and money laundering. Those allegations have not been proven against them, and both have previously denied wrongdoing. 

According to EWN, the application struck off the roll on Tuesday was Sindane's initial attempt to prevent himself from taking the witness stand. 

Dispute over WhatsApp messages

A significant part of the controversy surrounding Sindane concerns WhatsApp messages retrieved from his electronic devices.

Sindane previously approached the High Court seeking to prevent the commission from using those messages, arguing against the way the information from his devices had been obtained and provided to the inquiry. That application was also unsuccessful.

The messages have since been presented before the commission.

Evidence leaders have said some of the communications relate to alleged dealings involving Sindane and Sibanyoni, including allegations connected to extortion and links with members of law enforcement.

These remain allegations being examined by the commission and related criminal proceedings.

Commission hearings to resume in November

Sindane has yet to give his response to the evidence before the inquiry.

According to SABC News, public hearings of the Madlanga Commission are scheduled to resume on 9 November 2026, when outstanding evidence is expected to continue. 

The commission's published schedule also says public hearings are due to resume on 9 November after a period of closed proceedings in October. 

Sindane's eventual appearance is therefore expected to give him an opportunity to respond directly to allegations and communications already presented before the inquiry.