WhatsApp exchanges presented to the Madlanga Commission have shed further light on allegations that taxi bosses Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and Bafana “King of the Sky” Sindane demanded regular payments from businessman Dr Tengane Thomas Ntuli.

Ntuli opened a R2 million extortion case against the pair, alleging that threats and intimidation were used to pressure him into making payments. The allegations relate to his company's work on a South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) project to upgrade the Moloto road through Kwaggafontein.

According to Ntuli's affidavit, Sibanyoni and Sindane allegedly claimed ownership of the land where his business was operating and told him he would need to pay a protection fee to continue working.

The alleged payments reportedly began in July 2021 and were expected to continue at R100,000 per month until 2025. Sibanyoni previously told the commission that the money was intended for a stokvel.

Madlanga Commission: WhatsApp Message Details Alleged R100,000 Payment Demand

The Madlanga Commission heard how the alleged payment arrangement was allegedly enforced when a payment was missed in July 2024.

Advocate Matthews Chaskalson SC read a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Sindane to Ntuli in which he questioned why the expected payment had not been made. The message referred to an alleged agreement between Sindane and Sibanyoni involving a 60/40 split.

“Good day bab' Ntuli, I'm sad and disappointed to have to write another message to you to chase for payment,” Sindane allegedly wrote.

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Sindane allegedly reminded Ntuli that he had previously paid R100,000 and questioned why the amount had been reduced.

The message also questioned why Ntuli's operation was continuing while the alleged payments were not being made in full. Sindane allegedly gave Ntuli 48 hours to explain the situation and warned that the operation could be stopped.

“You used to pay us R100,000, but I'm now left confused as to why you've reduced the payment yet again,” the message allegedly stated.

The message concluded with a demand for an explanation about why the operation should not be halted. Sindane allegedly told Ntuli that he needed to account for what was happening within 48 hours.

“I demand a response, within 48 hours, detailing why the operation should not be stopped so that you can come and account for what's going on,” Sindane allegedly wrote.

Madlanga Commission: Businessman Alleges Threats Over Mining Operations

The Madlanga Commission also heard allegations concerning Ntuli's mining company and further demands for payment.

Ntuli alleged in his affidavit that Msiza warned him in November 2025 that his company's operations would be stopped if another payment was not made. He said the alleged financial demands were affecting the profitability of his business.

Chaskalson argued that the affidavits and WhatsApp conversations presented to the commission pointed towards an alleged extortion scheme involving threats of violence.

“What we see in the affidavits of Ntuli and the chats is essentially an extortion racket enforced with threats of violence,” Chaskalson said. The characterisation was made during the presentation of evidence to the commission.

The allegations have also led to criminal proceedings against those implicated. Sibanyoni, Sindane, Msiza and Mvimbi Masilela were arrested in May 2026 after Ntuli's complaint and face charges of extortion and money laundering. All four have denied the allegations and were released on bail.

Madlanga Commission Examines Alleged Taxi Murder Legal Payments

Evidence before the Madlanga Commission also turned to alleged payments towards the legal defence of two men convicted of taxi-related murders. Chaskalson referred to WhatsApp conversations involving an attorney who repeatedly sought payment from Sindane for the legal representation of Gwabo Mahlangu and Tshegofatso Makofane.

The exchanges were presented as part of the evidence concerning the alleged involvement of Sibanyoni and Sindane in the legal costs.

“What these chats cumulatively suggest is that Sibanyoni and Sindane were involved in paying legal expenses,” Chaskalson said.

Sindane was not present at the commission when the WhatsApp message concerning the alleged payments was read into evidence. Earlier on Monday, the High Court in Pretoria struck Sindane's urgent application to prevent the commission from hearing his testimony off the roll. He is therefore required to give evidence before the commission.