Mpumalanga taxi boss Oupa “Bafana” Sindane is reportedly facing a R17 million tax bill from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), with allegations that he failed to submit tax returns for approximately 15 years.
According to a report by IOL published on Thursday, 22 October 2026, SARS has issued formal tax notices to Sindane and an unnamed associate, who is reportedly facing a separate tax bill of R9 million.
The associate allegedly failed to submit tax returns for six years, bringing the combined reported tax liabilities to R26 million.
Tax issue raised during extortion case
The reported tax liabilities came to light during proceedings at the Delmas Magistrate’s Court, where Sindane appeared alongside Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, Mvimbi Masilela and Philemon Makhaya.
The four men face allegations of extorting more than R2 million from businessman Tengane Thomas Ntuli in connection with a road-construction contract.
However, the mention of the SARS matter prompted an objection from Sindane’s lawyer, Menzi Simelane, who argued that the tax issue was unrelated to the criminal charges before the court.
“The only reason the SARS issue was raised was to literally scandalise accused number five,” Simelane said.
He maintained that the tax investigation should not have been introduced during the proceedings because it did not form part of the charges on the court’s charge sheet.
The reported tax liabilities are separate from the extortion allegations being considered by the court. The tax claims do not, on their own, establish criminal wrongdoing.
Sindane also linked to Madlanga Commission allegations
Sindane has also attracted attention through proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of criminality and corruption within the criminal justice system.
WhatsApp messages reportedly extracted from his cellphone have featured in evidence concerning his communications with police officers and his association with Sibanyoni.
Separately, allegations have been presented regarding an alleged extortion scheme involving payments demanded from businesspeople operating around the Moloto Road construction project.
The men have faced allegations relating to extortion, which remain subject to the legal process.
The Delmas Magistrate’s Court postponed the extortion case to 20 April 2027 to allow the State additional time to investigate.
SARS has not been reported as having laid criminal charges against Sindane in connection with the tax matter. The reported outstanding amounts and the allegations concerning unfiled returns remain distinct from the criminal case currently before the court.
