The Madlanga Commission heard on Monday that an internal Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) letter, which names Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in relation to the use of blue lights, was sent to the phone of taxi boss Oupa Jossiah “Bafana” Sindane. The document was allegedly transmitted to Sindane via intermediary Timothy Moyane, the commission was told.
Evidence links Sindane to cellphone records and financial trails
Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, SC, who leads evidence for the commission, said the EMPD letter forms part of a larger body of material — including cellphone records and financial documentation — that the commission is examining. According to Chaskalson, these records suggest Sindane occupies a central position in allegations relating to extortion, illicit police access and the unauthorised circulation of state intelligence.
Sindane had applied for a postponement of his appearance at the commission. The panel declined that application on Friday, 25 September, and ordered that his testimony would proceed on Monday, 28 September “in whatever format” the commission determined. Sindane did not appear as required.
“in whatever format”
Chaskalson told the commission that Sindane launched a second urgent application seeking to review and set aside the commission’s ruling of 25 September. That application was dismissed on Monday morning by the Gauteng High Court, which also issued a punitive costs order, the commission was informed.
Criminal charges and related figures
Sindane and others face criminal proceedings in Mpumalanga. In the Kwaggafontein Magistrates’ Court, Sindane, Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and two co-accused are charged with extortion and money laundering. The commission’s hearings have cast light on the alleged network connecting taxi bosses, violent incidents and the purported misuse of police resources.
- Oupa Jossiah “Bafana” Sindane — summoned to give evidence at the Madlanga Commission; alleged recipient of an EMPD internal letter; co-accused in extortion and money laundering charges.
- Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni — taxi boss and co-accused; has alleged attempts on his life after raising concerns about violence in the industry.
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala — named in the EMPD letter over alleged blue-light use; faces several accusations and criminal charges including attempted murder.
- Jothan Msibi — described at the commission as a former head of the so-called Big Five cartel; died in 2024.
| Person | Allegation / Role |
|---|---|
| Oupa Jossiah Sindane | Alleged recipient of leaked EMPD letter; accused of extortion and money laundering |
| Joe Sibanyoni | Taxi boss; co-accused; alleged target of attempted murder in 2022 |
| Vusimuzi Matlala | Named in EMPD document; charged with attempted murder among other allegations |
| Jothan Msibi | Alleged former cartel leader; deceased (2024) |
Context and implications
The material now before the Madlanga Commission raises questions about the integrity of official information and the potential penetration of criminal actors into law enforcement communication channels. If substantiated, the alleged unauthorised flow of internal police intelligence to non-state actors would deepen concerns about corruption and the protection of operational information.
Separately, the criminal process continues in the magistrates’ court in Mpumalanga. The inquiries at the commission and the court proceedings run in parallel and may draw on overlapping evidence, including the cellphone and financial records Chaskalson referenced.
For the commission, the failure of an invited witness to appear — and subsequent attempts to delay or review the rulings compelling attendance — underscores the difficulty of securing testimony from influential figures implicated in organised crime networks. The commission will continue to hear evidence and determine what recommendations, if any, should follow.
No findings of criminal liability have been made by the commission; the allegations remain subject to judicial processes in the relevant courts.
