Advocate Thabani Masuku SC, a senior advocate from South Africa, is at the center of a high-stakes legal case involving Oupa “Bafana” Sindane, a figure in the taxi sector, and the case has once again brought her into the national limelight thanks to the Madlanga Commission.
While Sindane’s legal team sought to delay his scheduled evidence, Masuku came before the commission on Wednesday, 23 September, representing them. While looking into claims of corruption, political meddling, and criminal activity in South Africa’s criminal justice system, the commission received the application.
Masuku reportedly claimed that his client, Sindane, was unable to adequately engage in the proceedings due to his illness and submitted a medical certificate to that effect, as reported by SABC News. Additionally, Sindane’s assertion that he was experiencing a time of spiritual isolation was brought up by the legal team.
Masuku contended that his client’s deeply personal spiritual practice did not warrant negative inferences. He argued before the commission that individuals shouldn’t have to give up their religious or spiritual practices only to make room for an investigation.
Additionally, the legal team referenced an unrelated legal dispute. Reports indicate that on October 6, 2026, the High Court will consider Sindane’s application to contest the subpoena issued by the commission.
Involvement in politically and constitutionally delicate South African topics is nothing new for Masuku, and this appearance is just the latest example.
Masuku has amassed an impressive legal career that encompasses constitutional, administrative, and commercial litigation. He is a senior member of the Cape Bar. He became a silk in 2018 after being admitted as an advocate in 1999.
In his career, he has represented prominent political figures and organisations. He has ties to the legal struggles of former president Jacob Zuma, notably those stemming from the ongoing arms deal controversy and disagreements over the use of state funds for legal representation.
Masuku has also made appearances in matters concerning the courts, election issues, and parliamentary accountability. Among his previous representations were that of suspended Pretoria High Court Judge Tintswalo Nana Makhubele before a Judicial Conduct Tribunal and former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane during her parliamentary impeachment process.
As part of his arguments in the Makhubele proceedings, Masuku asked the tribunal to proceed with caution when finding a judge guilty of serious crime because there wasn’t enough proof to do so.
Because of his role in the Madlanga Commission, he is once again thrust into a highly publicised court battle, this time protecting a witness whose testimony could prove pivotal to the inquiry.
No objection was raised by Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, the head of the commission’s evidence team, regarding Sindane’s medical leave. In order to avoid wasting time, he insisted that the panel could still consider documentary material related to Sindane.
That the commission had legitimately received Sindane-related phone information was Chaskalson’s contention, according to Business Day. Allegedly including discussions of criminal networks and contract killings, those recordings are now embroiled in a broader controversy over other data.