Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, also known as “Ferrari”, and his three co-accused have been granted bail of R70,000 each by the Delmas Magistrate’s Court.
Sibanyoni, Bafana Oupa Sindane, Phillmon Makhaya Msiza and Mvimba Daniel Masilela face charges of extortion and two counts of money laundering linked to allegations that they forced a businessman in Mpumalanga’s Nkangala district to pay more than R2.2 million in so-called protection fees between 2022 and 2025.
The state did not oppose bail.
Three of the accused were arrested on 12 May, while Sindane later handed himself over to police after allegedly attempting to evade arrest.
[BREAKING NEWS] Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni, Bafana Sindane, Mvimbi Daniel Masilela and Philemon Msiza released on R70 000 bail each. They are expected back in court on September 1.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/VSs2UHXAXQ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 28, 2026
The case previously descended into controversy after the matter was struck off the roll in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court when prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba failed to appear.
Ntaba was later suspended, while Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni was reported to the Magistrates Commission after ordering the prosecutor’s arrest for contempt of court.
The National Prosecuting Authority said the conduct during proceedings raised concerns about judicial decorum and the administration of justice.
Ntaba has claimed he received threats against his life, although the NPA said he remained safe and that the case against the four accused would continue.
The matter has been postponed to 1 September 2026.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
