Mpumalanga – Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, also known as “Ferrari”, has been arrested during an early morning raid at his home by heavily armed police officers.
The 60-year-old businessman is believed to be detained at a police station in Middelburg, with reports suggesting the arrest may be linked to an extortion investigation.
According to The Citizen, Saps spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest on Tuesday morning.
Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni has been arrested. He is linked to alleged underworld figures including Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Impeccable sources say Sibanyoni was taken in by the Special Task Force in Pretoria early hours of the morning on Tuesday. Tune… pic.twitter.com/rAa4GqrH4k
— eNCA (@eNCA) May 12, 2026
Sibanyoni is a well-known figure in the taxi industry and has previously been linked to alleged underworld figures, including businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat”, IOL reported.
His name also surfaced during the Madlanga Commission and in allegations involving the so-called “Big Five” taxi cartel connected to violence, murders and corruption in the Gauteng taxi industry.
Who is Sibanyoni?
Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni is one of Mpumalanga’s most influential taxi industry figures, known for building a transport empire.
He started working as a taxi driver in Kwaggafontein in 1985 and later bought his first taxi in 1995.
Over the years, he expanded… pic.twitter.com/pNJWvuXK8l
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 12, 2026
In 2022, Sibanyoni was involved in an attempted murder investigation after suspects allegedly linked to Matlala were accused of plotting to kill him.
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