Retired magistrate Tonjeni faces probe after Sibanyoni bail hearing chaos

The Magistrates Commission will proceed with an investigation into former chief magistrate Tuleto Tonjeni after the National Prosecuting Authority filed a supplementary complaint linked to the chaotic bail proceedings of Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.

Retirement does not halt probe

The commission confirmed that Tonjeni formally notified it on 9 July 2025 of her intention to retire effective 31 May 2026, and that her last working day was 29 May 2026. On that same day the NPA lodged a supplementary complaint about Tonjeni’s conduct during Sibanyoni’s bail proceedings on 15 and 18 May.

The commission said the original complaint was registered under reference 234/2026 and that the matter has been referred to its ethics committee for urgent consideration. As the commission put it:

“The initial complaint was registered by the commission under reference 234/2026. The allocated number signifies the sequence among other complaints registered in the year 2026.”

Why the complaint was fast‑tracked

The commission said the complaint is in the public interest and has asked the ethics committee to consider it out of turn. In its statement the commission noted:

“The commission appreciates that this complaint is in the public interest and has requested the ethics committee to consider the matter out of turn.”

The ethics committee is expected to deliberate on the complaint in mid‑June.

Repercussions for the Sibanyoni case

The bail proceedings involving Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni drew national attention after the state prosecutor failed to appear in court and the matter was struck off the roll on 18 May.

The NPA has since re-enrolled the R2.2 million extortion and money‑laundering case against Sibanyoni and others. The prosecutor at the centre of the absent appearance, Mkhuseli Ntaba, was suspended following the incident but has been reinstated by the NPA. The commission quoted the NPA on his status:

“The prosecutor has resumed duties while internal processes continue.”

Calls for accountability

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi criticised the prosecutor’s absence during the bail proceedings, describing it as a serious lapse that undermined confidence in the justice system. The Magistrates Commission has appealed for patience while it follows due process:

“We once again appeal to the media and the public to allow us the opportunity to follow due process to address this complaint and extend our sincere gratitude in advance for understanding.”

The re‑enrolment of the case and the commission’s expedited review mean both the conduct of the former magistrate and the handling of the Sibanyoni matter remain under close scrutiny.