Commission hears of alleged protection pay in Moloto Road project
Advocate Matthew Chaskalson has argued that the communications point to an alleged extortion scheme.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has received testimony alleging that contractors and mining firms involved in the Moloto Road project were coerced into making regular "protection payments" to facilitate smooth operations. The evidence, allegedly obtained from the phone of taxi industry leader Bafana Sindane, includes WhatsApp messages indicating monthly payment demands, threats to halt projects, and discussions about sharing proceeds from contracts.
Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, leading the inquiry, contends that these communications suggest an alleged organized extortion scheme involving Sindane, Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, and their associates. According to Dr. Ntuli, an affidavit witness, he was told that to ensure his contract proceeded without interference, he needed to make payments to Mr. Sibanyoni, along with additional payments to another individual, Mr. Masilela. The current proceedings, detailed in the link below, continue to explore these allegations.
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