Oupa Sindane misses Madlanga Commission hearing due to illness and spiritual seclusion

Oupa “Bafana” Sindane, a prominent Mpumalanga businessman and taxi industry figure, failed to appear before the Madlanga Commission of inquiry on Wednesday. His legal team requested a postponement, citing a combination of medical issues and personal reasons.

Advocate Thabane Masuku informed the Commission that Sindane is suffering from uncontrollable hypertension, severe sinusitis, and flu, as supported by a medical certificate. Additionally, the defense cited Sindane’s need for “spiritual seclusion,” describing the matter as deeply private and arguing that the nature of this seclusion should not lead to adverse inferences against him.

The legal team also noted an ongoing High Court challenge regarding the commission’s subpoena. Advocate Masuku opposed a proposal by evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson to proceed with hearing evidence in Sindane’s absence, arguing that doing so could prejudice his client’s ability to respond to allegations, particularly given his ongoing criminal proceedings.

The Madlanga Commission is investigating alleged links between the taxi industry, political figures, and a group known as the “Big Five” cartel.