Bafana Sindane’s WhatsApp Messages Reveal Legal Payments Linked To Convicted Taxi Murderers
Messages allegedly exchanged between taxi industry figures are being examined by the Madlanga Commission, including requests for outstanding legal fees linked to two men convicted of taxi-related murders.
WhatsApp messages linked to taxi boss Oupa “Bafana” Sindane are being examined at the Madlanga Commission amid questions over payments made towards the legal defence of two men convicted of taxi-related murders.
Sindane is not currently before the commission after several attempts to secure his testimony were unsuccessful. The commission has yet to make a ruling on his absence.
The messages, involving Sindane and taxi industry leader Joe Sibanyoni, indicate that attorney Hartley Ngoato made several requests for outstanding payments relating to legal representation in two separate court matters involving men accused of taxi-related killings.
Ngoato also represented suspended police sergeant Fannie Nkosi at one stage.
Chief evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson told the commission that Ngoato was owed at least R250,000.
Legal Payments Under Scrutiny
According to the evidence presented to the commission, Sibanyoni and Sindane were involved in paying legal expenses associated with the cases of Gwabo Mahlangu and Tshegofatso Richmond Makofane.
Both men were convicted of taxi-related murder.
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Chaskalson told the commission:
“Mr Sibanyoni and Mr Sindani were involved in paying the legal expenses of Mr Gwabo Mahlangu, who was convicted of a taxi-related murder, and Mr Tshegofatso Richmond Makofane, who was also convicted of a taxi-related murder. We'd like to find out from them why.”
The evidence therefore raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the funding of the two men's legal representation. The supplied material does not establish why the payments were made or what relationship, if any, existed between the people involved beyond the financial arrangements described in the commission.
Sindane's Absence Before Commission
Sindane has not appeared before the commission despite several attempts to secure his testimony.
The commission has not yet ruled on his absence, meaning the circumstances surrounding his failure to testify remain subject to its proceedings.
The WhatsApp exchanges are being examined as part of the commission's investigation, with the evidence focusing on communications between figures linked to the taxi industry and payments associated with criminal court cases.
The material presented to the commission does not, on its own, establish that the individuals involved in funding the legal representation were responsible for the offences for which Mahlangu and Makofane were convicted.
