The Madlanga Commission has heard evidence alleging that a Mpumalanga businessman was subjected to threats after failing to make a payment allegedly demanded by taxi bosses.
The evidence emerged on Monday as the commission examined allegations surrounding Joe Sibanyoni, Bafana Sindane, Mvimbi Masilela and Philemon Msiza, who face criminal charges of extortion and money laundering.
All four accused have denied the allegations and are currently out on bail.
Businessman allegedly ordered to pay R100,000
Chief evidence leader advocate Matthews Chaskalson told the inquiry that the group allegedly demanded a monthly payment of R100,000 from businessman Dr Thomas Ntuli.
According to the evidence presented, the alleged payments began in July 2021 and continued until 2025.
Ntuli had secured a South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) tender to upgrade the Moloto road. He allegedly became the target of demands after the group claimed an interest in the land and told him that payments were necessary for his operations to continue without disruption.
WhatsApp message allegedly warned of consequences
Chaskalson read a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Sindane to Ntuli after one of the payments was missed.
In the message, Sindane allegedly complained that the agreed payment had been reduced and questioned why Ntuli’s operation was continuing while the group was not receiving what it considered its share.
The message allegedly gave Ntuli 48 hours to explain why the operation should not be stopped.
Sindane was not present at the commission to respond to the evidence concerning the message.
Allegations of threats against business operations
Ntuli has also alleged that the pressure extended beyond the road project.
In his affidavit, he claimed that in November 2025, Msiza told him the group would halt operations at his mining company if a payment was not made.
Ntuli said the alleged protection payments were placing severe financial pressure on his business because a substantial portion of its profits was allegedly being channelled to the group.
Chaskalson described the evidence as forming part of an alleged “extortion racket”, saying Ntuli’s account suggested that threats of violence were used to enforce the demands.
Questions raised over alleged legal payments
The inquiry also examined messages involving an attorney who repeatedly sought payment from Sindane for legal representation provided to two men accused of taxi-related killings.
Chaskalson questioned what the communications indicated about the relationship between Sibanyoni and Sindane and the legal expenses of the two men.
According to the evidence leader, the messages suggested that the pair may have been involved in funding the legal defence of Gwabo Mahlangu and Tshegofatso Makofane, both of whom were convicted in taxi-related murder cases.
Chaskalson said the commission wants to establish why the alleged payments were being made and what connection they had to the accused.
Accused face criminal charges
Sibanyoni, Sindane, Masilela and Msiza were arrested in May 2026 following a criminal complaint lodged by Ntuli.
They were subsequently charged with extortion and money laundering.
The accused have rejected the allegations and remain out on bail while the criminal proceedings continue.
The evidence being presented before the commission concerns allegations and has not itself established criminal liability.
Sindane loses bid to halt commission testimony
The evidence was heard on the same day that the Gauteng High Court struck Sindane’s urgent application off the roll.
Sindane had sought to prevent the Madlanga Commission from hearing his testimony, but the court did not grant the requested intervention.
The commission is continuing with its investigation into the allegations and the broader issues surrounding the evidence.
