Thokozile Mnguni
Police in Mpumalanga say a strong case still stands against taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his three co-accused, despite the extortion and money laundering matter being struck off the roll at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the Organised Crime Unit remains confident in the evidence gathered.
“The Organised Crime Unit maintains that there is still a strong case against the four suspects,” Masondo said, adding that the evidence against the accused remains intact.
The case involving Sibanyoni, Bafana Sindane, Phillimon Msiza and Mvimba Masilela was removed from the court roll during bail proceedings.
Mpumalanga Chief Magistrate Tule-tu Siphokazi Tonjeni was scheduled to resume proceedings at 9am this morning; however, state prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba did not appear in court despite an earlier instruction from the bench to be present. His absence caused the proceedings to halt.
The defence argued that the matter could not proceed without state representation, adding that repeated delays were prejudicing the accused and undermining fairness. After hearing submissions, the court ruled that the matter could not continue and struck it from the roll.
The Chief Magistrate also issued a warrant for the prosecutor’s arrest for failing to comply with the court’s directive.
The accused faced charges of extortion and money laundering linked to allegations of millions of rand allegedly paid by a Mpumalanga businessman over an extended period.
With the case struck off, the accused are not currently before the court. The National Prosecuting Authority may reinstate the matter once procedural requirements are met.
Following the ruling, there were scenes of celebration inside the courtroom, with supporters and family members welcoming the outcome and some maintaining the accused should never have been charged.
Sibanyoni’s legal representative, Shaun Abrahams, said the complainant in the matter was known to his client, arguing that the alleged more than R2 million in “protection fees” between 2022 and 2025 reflected a business relationship rather than criminal conduct.
The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed disciplinary action against the prosecutor.
“There is no room for impunity as we remain resolute in our constitutional obligation to hold those accused of criminality accountable,” said NDPP Adv Andy Mothibi.