The Mpumalanga SAPS Organised Crime Unit has arrested three suspects, aged between 46 and 60, in connection with an extortion case linked to a complaint reported in Kwaggafontein in 2025.
Among those arrested is a prominent businessman and well-known Mpumalanga taxi boss, alleged to be Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.
Sibanyoni has previously been linked to alleged underworld figures, including Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Impeccable sources indicated that Sibanyoni was arrested by members of the Special Task Force in Pretoria.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the suspects were arrested during an operation conducted in the early hours of Tuesday in both Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
“It is alleged that the suspects demanded money from a businessman over an extended period until he reported the matter at the Kwaggafontein Police Station,” said Masondo.
“The case was referred to the SAPS Mpumalanga Organised Crime Unit for further investigation, which led to the arrests.”
The three suspects are expected to appear before the KwaMgabantu Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, on charges of extortion.
Masondo confirmed that one additional suspect is still on the run.
“At this stage, the police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the arrested suspects in relation to other cases, as the investigation continues,” he said.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the Organised Crime Unit for the arrests.
“The arrest of these suspects sends a clear message that extortion will not be tolerated. Business owners and communities must be able to operate without fear of intimidation and criminal demands,” said Mkhwanazi.
“I commend these men and women in blue for their dedication and swift action in tracking down the suspects across provincial lines.”
He also encouraged victims of extortion to report such crimes to the police.
“We urge anyone who is a victim of extortion to come forward. The SAPS has specialised units in place to investigate these cases and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law,” he added.