As the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry begins its cross-examination phase, Mpumalanga taxi businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has made a request to avoid inquiries regarding his ongoing criminal charges or an attempted murder case in which he is a key witness.
The request was formally presented by Advocate Qofa, Sibanyoni’s legal counsel, who emphasized the need to protect his client’s constitutional rights against such questioning.
Qofa argued that Sibanyoni should not be subjected to tough inquiries about the Kwaggafontein extortion and money laundering case, in which he is accused of running a protection racket purportedly extracting over R2.2 million from contractors in the area.
Concerns about self-incrimination were previously raised by Sibanyoni’s legal team, citing Section 35(3)(j) of the South African Constitution. They contended that responding to questions related to active criminal trials could undermine his right to a fair trial.
Additionally, Qofa requested that the commission disallow any questions pertaining to the attempted murder case involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
In this case, which is under consideration in the Gauteng High Court, Matlala and a co-accused are facing charges for allegedly planning an ambush with an AK-47 targeting Sibanyoni outside the Centurion Country Club in August 2022.
With Sibanyoni being both a victim and a principal state witness in the case, his legal counsel argues that being interrogated by the commission could hinder the progress of ongoing judicial matters.
This request arises at a pivotal moment as Day 180 of the Madlanga Commission focuses on the infiltration of criminal syndicates in the transport sector and within law enforcement.
Evidence leaders, including Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, have been reviewing a series of downloaded WhatsApp messages and data records.
These records purportedly demonstrate connections among Sibanyoni, his co-accused Oupa “Bafana” Sindane, compromised members of the SAPS, and the utilization of izinkabi (hitmen) for territorial enforcement.
While Sibanyoni has used his time on the witness stand to assert that he is an innocent transportation magnate targeted in multiple assassination plots, the commission’s evidence leaders are urging for clarity concerning the extensive underworld networks under scrutiny.
The commission is now required to make a decision regarding Qofa’s request to limit the cross-examination parameters.
