Extortion Case Dismissed: Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni and Co-Accused Released
Kwaggafontein – The extortion case against taxi leader Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his three co-defendants disintegrated after the prosecutor failed to appear, resulting in the case being removed from the docket at the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court.
The 60-year-old Sibanyoni reappeared in court on Monday, 18 May 2026, alongside his co-defendants Bafana “King of Sky” Sindane, Mvimbi Masilela, and Philemon Msiza, facing allegations of extortion and money laundering.
It is alleged that the defendants extorted over R2 million in protection fees from an undisclosed mining entrepreneur between 2022 and 2025.
The individuals, arrested the previous week, anticipated applying for bail; however, the proceedings could not advance.
Sibanyoni’s attorney, Shaun Abrams, a former director of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), expressed his disappointment regarding the absence of the prosecutor.
“I’m incredibly disappointed… It is unacceptable to see a prosecutor act in this way,” Abrams stated.
“It deeply pains me to criticize a colleague or hold one accountable as we do today. It is distressing that this is the form of justice being administered.”
Abrams asserted that the state prosecutor should be held responsible for not appearing in court to handle such a significant case.
“We have moved that the matter should be struck off the roll and that the state prosecutor be found in contempt of court.”
Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni expressed her dissatisfaction with the absence of Prosecutor Mkhuluseli Ndaba, who had previously informed the control prosecutor that he was running late.
“No estimated arrival time was given,” she noted.
“Regardless of where he traveled from within the province, he would have arrived by now if he truly wanted to be present.
“Thus, it is reasonable for this court to find him guilty, in his absence, of contempt of court. I will issue a warrant for his arrest.”
Magistrate Tonjeni also indicated her intention to report the prosecutor’s behavior to his superiors and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Furthermore, she accepted the defense’s motion and struck the criminal case from the court roll.
The magistrate’s decision was met with loud cheers and applause from the public.
Family members and supporters were observed embracing the freed defendants inside the courtroom.
Many appeared unaware that the matter could still be reinstated.
In response to the events, Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masando stated that the South African Police Service’s Organised Crime Unit possesses a “solid” case against the defendants.
The spokesperson remarked: “Mpumalanga police remain confident that a strong case exists against the four suspects involved in the Kwaggafontein extortion case, despite today’s court developments.”
Colonel Masando indicated that the police would consult with the NPA to seek a re-enrollment of the case before the court.