Prominent Taxi Boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni Arrested In Mpumalanga Extortion Probe

Joe Ferrari Sibanyoni

Prominent South African taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni, widely known as “Ferrari,” has been arrested alongside two other suspects in connection with an extortion investigation in Mpumalanga. According to police, Sibanyoni was taken into custody during an early morning operation conducted by heavily armed officers on Tuesday.

The arrests were confirmed by Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga.

“Members of Mpumalanga SAPS Organised Crime arrested three suspects this morning in relation to the case of extortion,” Colonel Masondo told local media.

Police said the extortion case was opened in Kwaggafontein in 2025. Authorities confirmed that the suspects are aged between 46 and 60 years old, although police have not officially released their identities. Masondo said one additional suspect linked to the investigation remains at large.

“The case relates to extortion. However, we cannot rule out other cases the suspects are facing, but as for now, we are talking about extortion,” he said.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Police have not yet disclosed further details regarding the allegations or the nature of the alleged extortion scheme.

Sibanyoni is regarded as a powerful figure within South Africa’s taxi industry and has frequently been associated with controversy surrounding taxi violence and organised criminal networks. Although the current charges remain limited to extortion, Sibanyoni’s name has previously surfaced in investigations involving alleged underworld connections. He has reportedly been linked to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, also known as “Cat” Matlala. Sibanyoni was also mentioned during proceedings linked to the Madlanga Commission, which examined allegations involving corruption, criminal syndicates, and violence connected to the taxi sector.

Reports in South African media have previously linked Sibanyoni to the so-called “Big Five” cartel, a group allegedly associated with taxi industry violence, murders, and corruption in Gauteng. Taxi violence remains a major security concern in parts of South Africa, where disputes over routes and control of transport operations have historically resulted in deadly clashes. Crime analyst Sipho Dlamini said organised crime investigations involving influential taxi operators often expose broader criminal networks.

“The taxi industry in South Africa has long faced allegations involving extortion, intimidation and organised violence linked to route control and financial interests,” he said.

Sibanyoni was also previously connected to a 2022 attempted murder investigation after a white BMW was allegedly linked to suspects accused of plotting to kill him. Matlala is currently facing charges related to that case. Authorities have not indicated whether the current extortion investigation is connected to previous criminal probes involving the suspects. Police say investigations are ongoing.

Joe Ferrari Sibanyoni arrested