Joe Sibanyoni, Bafana “King of Sky” Sindane, Mvimbi Masilela, and Philemon Msiza are accused of extorting over R2 million from a businessman in “protection fees” between 2022 and 2025. Image: Supplied
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South Africa
Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and co-accused granted R70,000 bail each in extortion case
Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his co-accused have been released on R70,000 bail each after appearing in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on extortion and money laundering charges involving alleged “protection fees” exceeding R2.2 million.
Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, along with co-accused Mvimbi Masilela, Philemon Msiza, and Bafana Oupa Sindane, has been released on R70,000 bail each following their appearance at the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The group reportedly handed themselves over before being formally charged with extortion and two counts of money laundering. Authorities allege the accused demanded more than R2.2 million in so-called “protection fees” from a Nkangala businessman between 2022 and 2025.
The matter was re-enrolled in the Delmas court after it was previously struck off the roll last week at Kwaggafontein Magistrate's Court after the prosecutor failed to appear in court.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Director of Public Prosecutions in Mpumalanga has filed a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission against Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni.
The Magistrate presided over the extortion and money laundering case against taxi boss Madoda Johannes Sibanyoni and others in Kwaggafontein earlier this month.
NPA Head Advocated Andy Mothibi added: “This process will go a long way in protecting the image of the criminal justice system and in setting the records clear”.
