Sibanyoni is reportedly linked to Vusi “Cat” Matlala, whose name has surfaced in several high-profile investigations. Image: Social Media
Cat Matlala
1Min
South Africa
Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni arrested for extortion
Taxi mogul Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, whose name surfaced repeatedly at the Madlanga Commission, has been arrested by the Special Task Force on extortion allegations.
Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has been arrested by the South African Police Service Special Task Force on allegations of extortion, following repeated mentions of his name during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission.
He was arrested on Tuesday morning
Sibanyoni is regarded as one of the most influential figures in South Africa’s taxi industry. He has also reportedly been linked to Vusi “Cat” Matlala, whose name has surfaced in several high-profile investigations.
Sibanyoni began his career as a taxi driver in Kwaggafontein in 1985 before purchasing his first taxi a decade later. Over the years, he expanded his operations into a fleet believed to include more than 400 minibuses and thousands of taxis operating across multiple routes.
He has interests in trucking, mining, construction, IT and property development. Reports estimate that his businesses generate around R18 million in monthly income.
Nicknamed “Ferrari” because of his passion for luxury sports cars, Sibanyoni also held influential leadership positions within taxi organisations such as South African National Taxi Council and South African Bus and Taxi Association.
He is expected to appear at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, facing a charge of extortion.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the SAPS members from Mpumalanga Organised Crime for the arrest.
“The arrest of these suspects sends a clear message that extortion will not be tolerated. Business owners and communities must be able to operate without fear of intimidation and criminal demands. I commend these men and women in Blue for their dedication and swift action in tracking down the suspects across provincial lines.
"We urge anyone who is a victim of extortion to come forward and report it. The SAPS has specialised units in place to investigate these cases and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law.” said Mkhwanazi.
