The bail hearing for noted Mpumalanga taxi leader Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and three other defendants encountered delays this morning at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court.
State Advocate Adv Mkhuliseli Ntaba did not arrive by 10 a.m., although the proceedings were set to begin at 9 a.m. This prompted defense lawyers, including Shaun Abrahams, to criticize the delay, calling it unprofessional and indicating intentions to file a complaint with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Sibanyoni, along with Mvimbi Daniel Masilela, Philemon Msiza, and Oupa “Bafana” Sindane, is facing serious charges of extortion and money laundering. They are accused of soliciting more than R2 million in “protection fees” from a businessman over the period from 2022 to 2025.
The state is opposing bail due to the gravity of the charges.
