Prominent Sandton businessman Zesimdumise “Ze” Nxumalo has flatly denied claims that Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema delivered R80,000 in cash inside a Louis Vuitton bag, along with a bottle of whiskey, to the late taxi industry heavyweight Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi.
In a statement broadcast by eNCA today, Sunday, 12 April 2026, Nxumalo said he was present during meetings between Malema and Msibi, which occurred only in public places, including Uvivi Lodge in Hammanskraal and various venues in Sandton.
“To my knowledge, Mr. Malema did not take cash or whiskey to Mr. Msibi. And at no point did Mr. Malema give R80,000 to Msibi in a Louis Vuitton bag,” Nxumalo told reporters. He added that he has not received a formal Rule 3 notice to appear before the Madlanga Commission.
The denial comes amid explosive testimony at the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is probing alleged corruption, violence, political interference, and criminal links between the taxi industry, police, and the so-called “Big Five” cartel. Msibi, who died in January 2024, has been repeatedly named in commission evidence. A chef who worked for the late taxi boss has claimed he witnessed Malema’s “midnight visits” and has offered to testify under oath.
Malema has previously acknowledged knowing Msibi through Nxumalo and said their encounters were limited to negotiations over taxi fares during industry strikes. Nxumalo, a shareholder and board member of SA Taxi with deep commercial ties to the sector since 2017, has emerged as a central figure in the unfolding drama.
The commission continues to hear evidence, with political tensions running high between the EFF, the Patriotic Alliance, and taxi industry players. Further testimony is expected in the coming weeks.