What Happened?
A South African taxi mogul, Madoda Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, is accused of running a protection‑money racket that targeted a mining executive working on a big road‑construction project.
The Players
Main Accused
- Madoda Joe Sibanyoni – taxi boss and alleged leader of the scheme
- Bafana Kabini Sindane – co‑accused
- Mvimbi Masilela – co‑accused
- Makhaya Msiza – co‑accused
Victim
Thomas Ntuli, a mining manager whose company won a contract to supply stone for the R573 Moloto Road.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
The “Protection Fee” Demand
After Ntuli’s company landed the R3.7 billion contract to supply aggregate stone, Sibanyoni’s group allegedly told him he had to pay a monthly “protection fee.”
- Payments ranged from R50 000 to R300 000 each month.
- The first demand came in July 2021.
- Money was sent to bank accounts held by Sibanyoni’s company, MJS & Sons (Absa and FNB).
Evidence Collected
Investigators have:
- Bank records showing over R2.1 million transferred to MJS & Sons.
- Notes of about R150 000 paid in cash in July 2021 and December 2022.
- WhatsApp messages where Sindane repeatedly pressed Ntuli to pay.
Ntuli’s Side of the Story
Why He Felt Threatened
Ntuli told police that after he said he couldn’t afford the fee, he was called to Sibanyoni’s golf course and pressured even harder. He said he feared for his safety and his family’s safety.
His Version of the Relationship
Ntuli claims the money was never a loan but an extortion demand. He says Sibanyoni later told him the Absa account had been closed and redirected the final R50 000 payment to an FNB account in November 2022.
Sibanyoni’s Defence
What He Says Happened
Sibanyoni insists the R900 000 Ntuli received was a loan that has been repaid. He says they were business partners and that the WhatsApp chats show a friendly relationship, using nicknames like “Landlord” and “Growthpoint.”
Legal Moves
He applied for bail, arguing the case harms his reputation. He and his co‑accused were each released on R70 000 bail after the case was reopened at the Delmas Magistrates Court.
What’s Next?
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is continuing its investigation. A complaint has been lodged against the judge who initially removed the case from the court docket. The outcome will decide whether the alleged protection‑money ring will face trial.
Conclusion
This case highlights how powerful individuals can allegedly use intimidation and fake “protection” demands to extract money from businesses. For Thomas Ntuli, the experience has been stressful and frightening, while Sibanyoni maintains his innocence. As the legal process unfolds, more details will emerge about the true nature of the alleged scheme and its impact on those involved.
