Mpumalanga taxi boss Bafana Sindane has been served with a formal demand by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for R17 million in unpaid taxes, according to a Sowetan report published on Thursday.

Sindane, also known as Oupa Jossiah Sindane and “King of the Sky”, was reportedly served with the letter of demand on Monday. A source told the newspaper that the amount relates to about 16 years of alleged tax non-compliance.

“He is busy with his auditors to deal with the matter,” the source said.

The tax demand reportedly surfaced in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, when Sindane appeared alongside Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, Mvimbi Daniel Masilela and Philemon Msiza in an extortion and money-laundering case.

According to the report, the prosecutor mentioned the SARS investigation after the magistrate asked about outstanding matters. Sindane’s lawyer, Menzi Simelane, objected, arguing that the tax issue was unrelated to the criminal proceedings and had been raised to “scandalise” his client.

Sindane and his co-accused face allegations of extorting more than R2 million from businessman Dr Tengane Thomas Ntuli, whose business interests include work linked to the Moloto Road upgrade in Mpumalanga.

Evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has also raised questions about Sindane’s alleged links to police officers and access to police escorts. WhatsApp messages recovered from his cellphone were presented to the commission as part of evidence concerning the alleged extortion scheme and his contacts.

Sindane has not publicly responded to the reported R17 million tax demand. He and his co-accused have denied the criminal allegations and remain out on bail.

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

The tax demand and the criminal charges are separate matters. The allegations in the criminal case have not been proven in court.

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