Joe Sibanyoni faces Madlanga Commission over taxi industry extortion allegations

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is investigating allegations of extortion within the Mpumalanga taxi industry, focusing on testimony regarding Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni and Oupa ‘Bafana’ Sindane.

Evidence presented to the commission includes an affidavit from Dr. Tengane Ntuli, a contractor involved in the R3.7 billion Moloto Road upgrade project. Ntuli alleges that Sibanyoni and Sindane demanded protection fees to allow his business to operate. According to financial records and WhatsApp messages, approximately R2.29 million was paid into an account linked to the arrangement between July 2021 and November 2025.

Ntuli testified that Sibanyoni initially demanded R100,000 in cash in July 2022. When he resisted demands for a 40% split of his contract income, he was allegedly instructed to pay R100,000 monthly to a transport company linked to Sibanyoni. Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson stated that the evidence points to an extortion arrangement enforced through threats of violence.

Sibanyoni has previously rejected links to criminal syndicates and has objected to certain lines of questioning, arguing they could prejudice his right to a fair trial. His testimony has also touched upon his relationship with suspended police officer Fannie Nkosi.