By Johnathan Paoli
WhatsApp messages linking taxi bosses Oupa “Bafana” Sindane and Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni to attempted murder and corruption accused Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala came under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Monday, with evidence suggesting the exchanges pointed to more than an interest in Matlala’s troubles.
Resuming proceedings after lunch, evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson told the commission that the messages could point either to a desire to retaliate against Matlala and his associates or to an interest in taking control of criminal operations allegedly linked to him.
ALSO READ: DA raises concern over R830m cost of renovating SA diplomatic properties
“There are other chats which suggest or certainly create an inference that they know more about Mr Matlala’s criminal doings than is learnt from the media and that they may conceivably be interested in taking over some of those criminal dealings,” he said.
The evidence was presented while Sindane remained absent from the commission after his latest attempt to postpone his proceedings was rejected.
Chaskalson highlighted the relationship between Sindane, Sibanyoni and Matlala, with the commission hearing that Sindane had repeatedly forwarded news reports about Matlala to Sibanyoni and others in their circle.
The reports included coverage of Matlala’s liquidation problems and his arrest over the alleged attempted murder of his former girlfriend, socialite and actress Tebogo Thobejane.
But the evidence leaders’ interest went beyond the circulation of media reports.
Chaskalson presented WhatsApp messages in which people apparently connected to Sindane and Sibanyoni exchanged information about individuals allegedly linked to Matlala’s criminal activities.
One message, sent to Sindane by Timothy Mkhomazi, known as “Timmy Team Roger”, included photographs of two men.
The message identified one of the men as allegedly being involved in distributing drugs for Matlala in Atteridgeville and Pretoria West.
“So he’s identifying at least one of these two men as responsible for distributing Cat’s drugs in Atteridgeville and Pretoria West,” Chaskalson said.
He said the information raised two possible explanations.
The first was that Sibanyoni’s network could have been identifying Matlala’s associates in preparation for retaliation, given Sibanyoni’s belief that Matlala was behind an attempt on his life.
The second, he suggested, was that Matlala’s difficulties had potentially left his alleged criminal operations exposed.
ALSO READ: Gana opposes EFF challenge to rescission of Madonsela evidence leader recommendation
People around Sibanyoni and Sindane could, Chaskalson said, have been interested in taking over those activities.
He said the commission would need an explanation for the circulation of information about Matlala’s alleged associates, including what appeared to be intelligence reports and identity numbers.
The evidence also suggested that Sindane had access to sensitive internal police information.
Among the documents allegedly reaching him was an internal SAPS report concerning the March 2025 shooting at the Solo Restaurant in Sandton, in which controversial businessman and alleged debt collector Sphamandla Mabonga and others were killed.
The report described police taking cover during the gunfight, uncertainty over who fired first and the discovery of wounded and dead people after the shooting.
The commission also heard that Sibanyoni had received an internal letter from suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola concerning the appointment of an acting divisional commissioner of Crime Intelligence.
Chaskalson said the letter appeared to have been misunderstood by Sibanyoni and his associates as relating to the suspension of Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
The commission was shown an internal report concerning the Matlala “blue lights” scandal, which was allegedly sent to Sibanyoni two days after it had been compiled.
Chaskalson also presented WhatsApp exchanges between Sindane and retired Mpumalanga major-general Botsotso Moukangwe, including a message in which Moukangwe asked Sindane to contribute towards his retirement function.
The exchanges appeared to show that contact continued after Moukangwe retired and included discussions apparently relating to police deployments.
“They seem still to be in touch, apparently in relation to police matters. On 11 March, Mr Sindane writes to the General saying, ‘Can you please call me if you’ve got a chance?’” Chaskalson said.
Two days later, Moukangwe replied that he had arranged with a brigadier and the Flying Squad to provide assistance around a game.
ALSO READ: Sibanyoni and Sindane used violence for extortion, says Chaskalson
Chaskalson also said evidence appeared to show that Sindane paid police officers to provide him with escorts.
Commissioner Sandile Khumalo asked whether the implicated officers had been identified.
Chaskalson confirmed that most had been identified, saying the evidence leaders would provide the commission with a list.
Proceedings were adjourned, with Sibanyoni expected to return to the commission on Tuesday.
