NORTH WEST – Members of the South African Police Service uncovered a suspected clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory valued at approximately R100 million during an operation in the North West Province on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
The operation was conducted by SAPS Crime Intelligence attached to National Head Office at Portion 45, Farm Brakspruit, near Swartruggens.
Police confirmed that the crime scene remains active while investigators and forensic teams continue processing evidence at the property.
According to information released by SAPS, large quantities of suspected drugs, chemicals and manufacturing equipment were seized during the operation. Equipment found on the property included chemical drums, industrial machinery, mixing containers and storage equipment.
Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the type of drugs allegedly manufactured at the facility.
Police confirmed that 11 suspects were arrested during the operation. Among those arrested are four Mexican nationals, including one woman.
Senior SAPS officials travelled to the scene following the discovery. North West police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh and national police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk were among officials monitoring developments at the property.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that investigators, detectives and forensic specialists remain on site.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the arrests and commended officers involved in the operation.
Police investigations are ongoing and additional arrests have not been ruled out.
The suspects are expected to appear in court once formal charges have been finalised.
OTHER NEWS
Hoërskool Erasmus Learner Withdraws From School Following Alleged Bullying Incidents
A 16-year-old learner from Hoërskool Erasmus has reportedly withdrawn from the school and transitioned to homeschooling after alleging that she endured repeated bullying and assault incidents over an extended period dating back to 2024.
The matter has sparked renewed concern within the Bronkhorstspruit community over learner safety and bullying in schools, particularly following several previous incidents linked to the school that gained public attention through social media and local reporting.
According to information surrounding the case, the learner and her family allegedly made the decision to remove her from the school after ongoing concerns regarding her wellbeing and safety. The allegations include claims of repeated verbal harassment, intimidation and physical assault.
The latest allegations emerge against the backdrop of earlier reported bullying-related incidents involving learners at the school. During 2024 and 2025, multiple videos allegedly depicting violent altercations and intimidation among learners circulated online, drawing criticism from community members and prompting calls for stronger intervention measures.
In May 2024, authorities conducted a search and awareness operation at the school during which learners were addressed about bullying, misconduct and disciplinary issues. Reports at the time indicated that concerns had been raised regarding incidents of intimidation and violence among learners.
Additional controversy followed in 2025 after another video allegedly showing a learner being assaulted inside a school bathroom circulated widely on social media. The incident reportedly resulted in police involvement and intensified public scrutiny surrounding disciplinary systems and learner protection at the school.
Following previous incidents, Hoërskool Erasmus issued public statements reaffirming its stance against bullying and stating that the school remained committed to maintaining a safe educational environment for all learners.
At this stage, it has not been publicly confirmed whether formal criminal charges have been laid in relation to the latest allegations involving the 16-year-old learner. It is also unclear whether any disciplinary proceedings connected to the matter are currently underway.
Bullying in South African schools remains a significant concern for parents, educators and authorities, with repeated incidents across the country highlighting the psychological, emotional and physical impact that harassment and violence can have on learners.
The learner’s move to homeschooling has further intensified discussion around school safety, accountability and the measures educational institutions implement to address bullying and protect vulnerable learners.
Taxi Boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni Arrested in Alleged R25 Million Mining Extortion Case
Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has been arrested in connection with an alleged R25 million extortion case linked to the mining sector.
Sibanyoni was arrested during the early hours of Tuesday in a coordinated operation involving members of the South African Police Service’s organised crime unit and the Special Task Force. Two additional suspects were also taken into custody during the operation, while police continue searching for a fourth suspect allegedly linked to the case.
According to police, the arrests stem from an extortion case opened in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, during 2025. Authorities allege that a businessman operating within the mining industry reported being threatened and extorted over an extended period. The complainant allegedly claimed that demands made by the suspects amounted to as much as R25 million.
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrests, while investigations into the matter remain ongoing. Police indicated that additional charges could still be added as investigators continue gathering evidence.
Sibanyoni is currently being held at a police station in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, after reportedly being arrested at his residence in Centurion, Gauteng, before being transported to the province.
The accused are expected to appear before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges relating to extortion.
Sibanyoni is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Mpumalanga taxi industry. Reports indicate he began operating in the taxi sector in the 1980s before expanding into a large transport business that allegedly includes taxi fleets, buses, logistics operations, property investments, construction interests and mining-related businesses.
Known widely by the nickname “Ferrari”, Sibanyoni has frequently drawn public attention because of his association with luxury vehicles and his prominence within the taxi industry. He has reportedly held leadership positions within taxi organisations including the South African National Taxi Council and the South African Black Taxi Association.
His name has repeatedly surfaced in investigations and testimony linked to allegations of taxi violence, organised crime and underworld networks. Sibanyoni was previously mentioned during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, where testimony examined alleged links between organised criminal networks, the taxi industry and certain law enforcement officials.
He has also been linked in reports to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, whose name has appeared in several criminal investigations.
In August 2022, Sibanyoni survived an attempted shooting near Centurion Golf Estate. Investigators later linked a white BMW to the attempted hit after forensic evidence allegedly connected the vehicle to the crime scene. The attempted murder investigation has remained active, with several suspects and alleged underworld figures appearing before court in relation to the matter.
Despite repeated allegations raised during commission testimony and criminal investigations over recent years, Sibanyoni has not been convicted in relation to those allegations.
Tuesday’s arrests have again placed focus on allegations of extortion and criminal activity connected to parts of the taxi and mining sectors in Mpumalanga. Authorities say the investigation is continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
