“Taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his co-accused, Mvimbi Masilela, Philemon Msiza and Bafana Sindane have, for now, been let off on charges related to the alleged R2-million extortion of “protection fees” from a mining businessman between 2022 and 2025.”

“State prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba failed to appear in the Kwaggafontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, leading the magistrate to strike the case from the court roll and order Ntaba to face contempt of court charges, issuing a warrant for his arrest.”

“The National Prosecuting Authority said Ntaba had been suspended and would face disciplinary charges.”

“Sibanyoni’s name has repeatedly surfaced at the Madlanga Commission, which is probing allegations of criminal infiltration into policing, political and judicial arenas.”

“He has been linked to alleged members of the “Big Five” cartel and survived an assassination attempt in 2022.”

“Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala currently faces charges for his alleged attempted murder.”

“the matter was ultimately postponed to Monday, 18 May.”

“Sibanyoni, Masilela and Msiza were arrested by the Special Task Force in Pretoria on Tuesday, 12 May.”

“The fourth accused, the reputed multimillionaire taxi boss, Sindane, handed himself over to police on Friday ahead of the group’s second appearance in the Kwaggafontein Magistrates’ Court.”

“Sindane... faces the same charges of extortion and money laundering.”