Extortion Case Dropped: Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni and Co-Defendants Set Free
Kwaggafontein – The extortion case against taxi leader Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his three co-defendants collapsed after the prosecutor failed to appear, leading to the case being taken off the docket at the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court.
The 60-year-old Sibanyoni made another court appearance on Monday, 18 May 2026, with co-defendants Bafana “King of Sky” Sindane, Mvimbi Masilela, and Philemon Msiza, facing accusations of extortion and money laundering.
It is claimed that the defendants extorted more than R2 million in protection fees from an undisclosed mining entrepreneur between 2022 and 2025.
The accused, who were arrested last week, planned to apply for bail; however, the proceedings could not proceed.
Sibanyoni’s attorney, Shaun Abrams, a former director of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA), voiced his disappointment over the prosecutor’s absence.
“I’m extremely disappointed… It is unacceptable to see a prosecutor behave this way,” Abrams remarked.
“It pains me to criticize a colleague or hold one accountable as we are doing today. It’s distressing that this is the form of justice being dispensed.”
Abrams emphasized that the state prosecutor should be held accountable for not appearing in court to address such a critical case.
“We have moved that the case 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 earlier notified the control prosecutor that he was running late.
“No estimated arrival time was provided,” she remarked.
“Regardless of where he traveled from within the province, he would have arrived by now if he genuinely wanted to be here.
“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 stated her intention to report the prosecutor’s conduct to his superiors and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Additionally, she accepted the defense’s motion and removed the criminal case from the court roll.
The magistrate’s decision was received with loud cheers and applause from the audience.
Family members and supporters were seen embracing the released defendants inside the courtroom.
Many appeared unaware that the matter could still be reinstated.
In reaction to the situation, Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masando stated that the South African Police Service’s Organised Crime Unit has a “solid” case against the defendants.
The spokesperson stated: “Mpumalanga police are 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.
