Sibanyoni tells Madlanga Commission he paid R900,000 to man accusing him of extortion

Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni told the Madlanga Commission he paid R900,000 to Dr Tengane Thomas Ntuli, the businessman who has accused him of extorting about R2 million.

Payment described as business contribution

Sibanyoni said the R900,000 was a contribution “towards a business venture involving the proposed upgrade of the Moloto Road through Kwaggafontein.”

WhatsApp messages at the centre of inquiry

Messages recovered from the phone of Sibanyoni’s associate, Bafana “King of the Sky” Sindane, have emerged as a key part of the commission’s examination of alleged criminal syndicate links in the mining sector.

Evidence read at the inquiry includes messages sent to Sindane in January 2025 that have raised questions about alleged payments from contractors. Commission evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson told the inquiry the messages suggested a contractor who had previously paid protection money to Jothan Msibi was now approaching Sibanyoni.

Denials and distinction drawn by Sibanyoni

Sibanyoni has denied involvement in Msibi’s alleged Gauteng cartel, which he referred to as “the farm”. Msibi died in 2024. In his statement to the commission Sibanyoni said he had partnered with Msibi on taxi-related ventures but drew a distinction between his role in the taxi industry and control of the alleged criminal network.

“I have succeeded as the leader of the taxi industry, which must be distinguished from leading the farm and wielding the power that flows from it,”

Evidence and legal challenges

Despite the WhatsApp messages being used in the inquiry, Sibanyoni is challenging their admissibility as evidence. The proceedings at the Madlanga Commission are underway.

Proceedings continue.