MP Allegedly Contacted Complainant in Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni Extortion Case

Fresh allegations have emerged in the high-profile extortion case involving Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, with claims that a South African Member of Parliament allegedly attempted to persuade the complainant to withdraw charges against the accused.

According to information circulating around the case, the alleged contact took place on Tuesday evening, when the complainant was reportedly approached by the MP and allegedly offered a “handsome reward” in exchange for dropping the matter. The identity of the politician has not been officially confirmed, and authorities have not publicly verified the allegations at this stage.

The development follows growing scrutiny surrounding the case against Sibanyoni and his co-accused, who are facing charges of extortion and money laundering linked to an alleged R2.2 million protection-fee scheme. Investigators allege that a businessman was forced to make payments between 2022 and 2025.  

Sibanyoni, described by police as a prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss, was arrested earlier this month during coordinated operations carried out by the South African Police Service’s Organised Crime Unit in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Three other suspects were also arrested in connection with the matter.  

The businessman at the centre of the case reportedly has interests in mining, housing development and infrastructure projects in Mpumalanga. Reports linked the alleged extortion demands to construction activities and business operations in the region.  

The case attracted national attention after dramatic events unfolded at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court last week. Proceedings were halted after prosecutor Mkhulise Ntaba failed to appear in court despite allegedly being instructed to attend. Former National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams, who represents Sibanyoni, subsequently applied for the matter to be struck from the roll.  

Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni later removed the case from the roll and found the prosecutor in contempt of court, authorising a warrant for his arrest.  

The National Prosecuting Authority later confirmed that disciplinary action had been initiated against the prosecutor and stated that efforts were underway to reinstate the case.  

In the aftermath of the court proceedings, the complainant reportedly expressed fears for his safety and frustration with the handling of the matter, saying he felt failed by the justice system.  

Authorities have not confirmed whether the latest allegation involving the unnamed MP forms part of any official investigation. There has also been no confirmation regarding how the complainant responded to the alleged approach.

Police investigations into the extortion and money laundering case are continuing, and the NPA has indicated that the matter is expected to return to court.