SARS Demands R17 Million From Mpumalanga Taxi Boss Bafana Sindane

Thabo Molefe Published 22 hours ago

5 min read

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Mpumalanga taxi industry figure Bafana Sindane has reportedly received a R17 million tax demand from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), with the matter emerging while he faces separate criminal charges of extortion and money laundering.

Sindane, whose full name is Oupa Jossiah Sindane, is also known as “King of the Sky”. According to a report published by Sowetan on Thursday, 22 October 2026, SARS served him with a formal letter of demand on Monday.

A source quoted in the report indicated that the amount relates to approximately 16 years of alleged tax non-compliance. The source said Sindane was working with his auditors to address the matter.

The reported demand has not, on the information currently available, resulted in a publicly confirmed finding of criminal tax evasion. A tax demand and a criminal conviction are separate matters, and the details of SARS’s assessment and Sindane’s response have not been independently established.

Tax Demand Emerges During Criminal Court Proceedings

The reported SARS demand came to light during proceedings at the Delmas Magistrate’s Court, where Sindane appeared alongside three co-accused in a case involving allegations of extortion and money laundering.

The accused are Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, Mvimbi Daniel Masilela and Philemon Msiza.

According to the report, the prosecutor referred to the SARS matter after the magistrate asked about outstanding issues involving the accused. Sindane’s lawyer, Menzi Simelane, reportedly objected to the tax issue being raised, arguing that it was unrelated to the criminal proceedings and that its mention risked damaging his client’s reputation.

The tax demand is separate from the criminal charges before the court. The existence of the reported demand does not establish that Sindane committed a criminal offence, and any dispute over the amount or his tax obligations would need to be dealt with through the appropriate processes.

Extortion Allegations Involving More Than R2 Million

Sindane and his co-accused face allegations relating to payments allegedly demanded from businessman Dr Tengane Thomas Ntuli.

The case is linked to Ntuli’s business interests in Mpumalanga, including work associated with the upgrade of the Moloto Road, a major road project involving the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).

Evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has included allegations that Sindane and Sibanyoni demanded payments from Ntuli in connection with his business operations.

According to evidence discussed at the commission in September, Ntuli alleged that the demands included monthly payments of R100,000 and that the arrangement involved pressure to make payments to ensure business operations could continue without interference.

The evidence leaders also presented WhatsApp exchanges recovered from Sindane’s cellphone. These messages were discussed as part of the material relating to the alleged payment demands and communications between the parties.

The allegations formed part of a wider dispute over money allegedly paid in connection with Ntuli’s business activities. The accused face criminal charges arising from the matter, but the allegations must still be tested through the criminal justice process.

Madlanga Commission Examines Alleged Police Connections

Sindane has also featured in evidence presented to the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating allegations of corruption, criminal networks and improper relationships involving law enforcement officials.

During proceedings in September, the commission heard allegations concerning Sindane’s communications with various individuals, including police officers, as well as claims about his access to police escorts.

Documents and WhatsApp messages were presented as part of the evidence examined by the inquiry. The material raised questions about alleged connections between people in the taxi industry, business interests and members of law enforcement.

Sindane’s cellphone communications have been a point of contention. He approached the Gauteng High Court in an attempt to prevent the commission from using messages extracted from his electronic devices. His application to interdict the use of the messages was struck off the roll on 28 September 2026, according to reports on the proceedings.

The commission’s examination of these issues is distinct from the criminal case in Delmas and the reported SARS tax demand. Evidence presented at an inquiry does not, by itself, amount to a criminal conviction.

A Separate Tax Notice Reportedly Involves an Associate

An eNCA report has also indicated that an associate of Sindane may have received a separate SARS tax notice estimated at approximately R9 million.

The available information does not establish the full details of that notice, including the basis for the assessment or whether it has been disputed. It should therefore be treated as a separate reported development rather than evidence that Sindane’s alleged tax liability extends beyond the R17 million demand.

Sindane’s Response and the Status of the Cases

The report concerning the R17 million demand indicated that Sindane was consulting with auditors to address the matter. No further detailed public response from him to the reported demand has been established from the information available.

Sindane and his co-accused have denied the criminal allegations and have been released on bail while the case proceeds.

The reported tax demand does not determine the outcome of the extortion and money-laundering proceedings. Likewise, the criminal allegations do not establish whether SARS’s reported assessment is correct or what amount, if any, may ultimately be payable.

The key outstanding issues are the basis of the reported tax assessment, Sindane’s response through his auditors, and the eventual outcome of the separate criminal proceedings.