Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has given shocking testimony regarding the murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody, informing the Madlanga Commission that he believes ballistic evidence tying weapons used in an August 2022 assassination attempt on himself to the November 2022 killing of the entertainer.
PRETORIA — Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has initiated a dramatic new chapter in the DJ Sumbody murder narrative, suggesting a connection between the musician’s death and an earlier attempt on his own life.
While testifying at the Madlanga Commission, Sibanyoni discussed his relationship with the deceased DJ Sumbody, whose real name was Oupa Sefoka, as well as with another artist known as DJ Vettis.
What began as inquiries into personal relationships quickly transformed into a pivotal moment during Sibanyoni’s testimony.
He recounted to the Commission his understanding that the firearms used in the attempt on his life in August 2022 were later linked, through ballistic analysis, to the murder of DJ Sumbody just three months later.
Sibanyoni survived the August attack, during which he was shot twice.
In stark contrast, DJ Sumbody did not survive the attack that claimed his life in November.
“THE SAME CRIMINAL NETWORK”
Sibanyoni leveraged the alleged ballistic connection to counter claims that his relationships implicated him in a criminal network.
Instead, he depicted himself as a victim, one of its targets.
“As I see it, we were linked not by any criminal association, but by the weapons of the same criminal network,” Sibanyoni told the Commission.
This was a striking assertion.
Sibanyoni was effectively asking the Commission to view him and DJ Sumbody not as suspected associates within a criminal framework, but as individuals he claims were targeted by the same alleged network.
The Commission has yet to confirm Sibanyoni’s broader claims regarding a criminal network, and his testimony remains under review.
SIBANYONI SHARES HIS CONNECTION TO DJ SUMBODY
He also provided an intimate account of how he came to know DJ Sumbody.
Sibanyoni explained to the Commission that he was acquainted with Sumbody’s father, Mr. Sefoka, through the taxi industry.
He stated that the elder Sefoka had been a member and operator within their taxi association.
After his passing, Sibanyoni noted that Oupa Sefoka was introduced to the industry, although his mother continued most of the family’s taxi business.
Sibanyoni mentioned that his own connection with DJ Sumbody grew through their shared involvement in entertainment and social gatherings.
He spoke kindly of the musician, complimenting his talent and artistry.
Sibanyoni indicated that they frequented similar social circles, encountering each other at various events and functions.
Nevertheless, he denied engaging in any significant business dealings with the artist.
WERE DJ SUMBODY AND DJ VETTIS TARGETED DUE TO JOE “FERRARI”?
Then came the probing question that shifted the course of testimony.
Sibanyoni had been discussing both DJ Vettis, who survived an attempted murder, and DJ Sumbody as individuals close to him.
The Commission sought clarification.
Was Sibanyoni implying that both entertainers were targeted because of their connection to him?
“Correct,” he affirmed.
The inquiry was made even more direct.
Did he believe that DJ Vettis and DJ Sumbody were targeted due to their relationship with him?
“Yes,” Sibanyoni replied.
While this claim is sensational, it’s essential to note that Sibanyoni was merely expressing his belief regarding the motives behind the attacks; this does not confirm it as established fact.
DJ SUMBODY’S MURDER INTERSECTS WITH SIBANYONI’S NARRATIVE
Sibanyoni explained that he knew DJ Vettis socially and regarded him as a close acquaintance.
He further placed DJ Sumbody in the same social context.
Sibanyoni claimed that both the attempt on DJ Vettis’ life and the murder of DJ Sumbody were linked to individuals close to him.
He recorded these observations to help the commissioners understand his perspective on the events occurring around him.
This testimony may add complexity to the intricate web of relationships and violence currently under review by the Madlanga Commission.
SIBANYONI RECOUNTS BEING SHOT TWICE
Earlier in his testimony, Sibanyoni positioned himself not as an orchestrator of violence, but as a two-time target.
He recounted surviving an assassination attempt before facing another attack in August 2022.
The significance of this second attack is magnified by what Sibanyoni claims to understand about the related ballistic evidence.
He stated that the firearms from the August 2022 incident were later traced to 18 other serious crimes, including the murder of DJ Sumbody.
Following the assassination attempt, Sibanyoni took precautions to enhance his personal security.
He informed the Commission that he hired a private security firm to ensure his safety and that of his family.
ONLY THREE MONTHS BETWEEN ATTACKS
The timeline presents a chilling reality.
Sibanyoni survived an assassination attempt in August 2022.
DJ Sumbody was murdered in November 2022.
Sibanyoni now claims to see a ballistic connection between the weapons used in both attacks.
The impact of this evidence will ultimately hinge on the underlying ballistic findings and the legal proceedings concerning these incidents.
However, for Sibanyoni, this connection reinforces his central argument presented to the Commission.
He maintains that he was a target.
“I BARELY ESCAPED WITH MY LIFE”
Sibanyoni continually aimed to frame his interactions with law enforcement in light of his violent experiences.
Discussing his engagement with Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Sibanyoni articulated his concerns about purported hitmen from the standpoint of a survivor of multiple attempts on his life.
He shared with the Commission that he has witnessed colleagues lose their lives and has been demanding accountability from law enforcement.
Sibanyoni noted that Mkhwanazi was attentive to his concerns, asked probing questions, and took detailed notes.
He contrasted that response with his years of frustration regarding the lack of action on taxi-related violence.
A NEW QUESTION LOOMS OVER THE DJ SUMBODY CASE
Sibanyoni’s testimony leaves a substantial question lingering over the proceedings.
Why, in his assessment, would individuals close to him be targeted?
The Commission did not address this question during this part of his testimony.
Furthermore, the evidence presented thus far has not established that DJ Sumbody was murdered specifically due to his connection to Sibanyoni.
What Sibanyoni has clearly presented to the Commission is his belief that the attacks are linked to their proximity to him, along with his assertion of a ballistic connection between weapons involved in both incidents.
These declarations are likely to face intense scrutiny as the Commission continues to investigate the interrelationships, violence, and reported criminal activity revealed through its hearings.
For now, Sibanyoni’s message to the Commission is clear.
He insists that he and DJ Sumbody were not connected by any criminal ties.
Instead, he claims they were linked as victims.
