NPA appeals contempt of court order against prosecutor in Sibanyoni case

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has lodged an application for leave to appeal a contempt of court ruling against State prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba, including an order authorising a warrant for his arrest.

The move follows Ntaba’s failure to appear in Kwaggafontein Magistrate's Court to oppose a bail application involving businessman and taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and his co-accused, Mvimbi Masilela, Philemon Msiza and Bafana Sindane. The group faces charges linked to extortion and money laundering.

In a statement on Friday, the National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi confirmed that a legal team headed by senior counsel has been appointed to advise the NPA on the matter after the case was struck off the court roll.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the appeal specifically challenges the finding made against the prosecutor in his absence, as well as the warrant of arrest issued thereafter.

Kganyago explained that the filing of the appeal automatically suspends the court order until the matter is heard. He added that the NPA has also requested written reasons from the magistrate explaining the basis for the decisions taken, which will assist in determining the next legal steps.