Controversial Taxi Boss Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni Requests Shield From Cross-Examination on Kwaggafontein Extortion and ‘Cat’ Matlala Cases
As cross-examination gets underway at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Mpumalanga taxi tycoon Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has requested that he not be questioned about his pending criminal charges or a high-profile attempted murder case in which he is the victim.
The request was formally brought forward by his legal representative, Advocate Qofa, who argued that shielding the prominent businessman from these lines of questioning is essential to protect his constitutional rights.
Qofa stated that Sibanyoni should not face grilling regarding the Kwaggafontein extortion and money laundering case, where he stands accused of running a protection racket that allegedly squeezed over R2.2 million from local contractors.
Sibanyoni’s legal team previously raised concerns about self-incrimination under Section 35(3)(j) of the South African Constitution, arguing that answering questions on active criminal trials could severely prejudice his right to a fair trial.
Furthermore, Qofa asked the commission to bar any questioning related to the attempted murder case involving Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
In that matter, currently being heard in the Gauteng High Court, Matlala and his co-accused face charges for allegedly orchestrating a dramatic AK-47 ambush against Sibanyoni outside the Centurion Country Club in August 2022.
Because Sibanyoni is the victim and a key state witness in that ongoing prosecution, his legal team contends that dual interrogation at the commission could compromise judicial proceedings.
The request comes at a critical juncture as Day 180 of the Madlanga Commission turns its spotlight onto the deep-seated infiltration of criminal syndicates within the transport sector and the police.
Evidence leaders, including Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, have been systematically untangling an array of downloaded WhatsApp messages and data records.
These records allegedly show tight links between Sibanyoni, his co-accused Oupa “Bafana” Sindane, rogue SAPS elements, and the deployment of izinkabi (hitmen) to enforce territory.
While Sibanyoni has previously used his time on the stand to paint himself as an innocent transport mogul who survived multiple assassination attempts, the commission’s evidence leaders continue to push for transparency regarding the vast underworld networks under investigation.
The commission’s leadership will now have to rule on Qofa’s request to restrict the scope of the cross-examination.
