Joe Sibanyoni Denies Extortion Allegations at Madlanga Commission
Taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni faces mounting scrutiny over alleged extortion, political access, and coordinated violence tied to public transport and road upgrades in South Africa. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Sibanyoni denied running a protection racket or orchestrating attacks on the Putco bus company, despite facing intense cross-examination from evidence leaders regarding WhatsApp messages, cash payments, and video footage featuring top government officials.
Sibanyoni denies extorting payments from Tengane Ntuli
The Madlanga Commission examined allegations that Sibanyoni and his associate Bafana “King of the Sky” Sindane extorted businessman Tengane Ntuli. Ntuli, who owns a company supplying aggregate stone for the R573 Moloto Road upgrade, alleged in his affidavit that the two men threatened his business operations unless he paid up. Sanral spokesperson Lwando Mahlasela stated the agency was not aware of Sibanyoni’s involvement in the multimillion-rand project. Sibanyoni admitted receiving R100,000 monthly from Ntuli but described the payments as a verbal local content partnership rather than extortion, blaming Sindane for threatening text messages.
Sibanyoni denies link to Putco bus arson
Evidence leaders played video footage at the commission showing Sibanyoni meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe in 2024. In the recording, Sibanyoni demanded a 30% local stake in Putco and warned that anyone interfering with the bus company should know “it’s us”. Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson SC linked this warning to subsequent disruptions, including the coordinated torching of Putco buses across depots in January 2025. Sibanyoni rejected any connection to the arson attacks, claiming his statements reflected community interests rather than threats.
What is the Madlanga Commission investigating?
What is the Madlanga Commission investigating regarding Joe Sibanyoni?
The commission is probing allegations of extortion, tender interference, and violence connected to the taxi industry and public transport contracts, including payments extorted from suppliers along the R573 Moloto Road.
How much money was allegedly extorted from Tengane Ntuli?
Businessmen Tengane Ntuli claimed that Sibanyoni and Bafana Sindane extorted payments, including R100,000 per month, according to commission records.
When do the Madlanga Commission public hearings resume?
The commission stood down its public hearings following Sibanyoni’s testimony and is scheduled to resume its inquiry on November 9.
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