Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni has denied links to alleged underworld operations and organised criminal networks while being questioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Also see: Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni set to return to Madlanga Commission
Ferrari returned to the witness stand in Pretoria on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, for further cross-examination, with evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC questioning him about alleged extortion, business dealings and his connections to people linked to criminal activity.
Ferrari distances himself from alleged criminal networks
During his testimony, Ferrari rejected allegations that he was involved with the so-called Big 5 Cartel and denied links to alleged extortionists associated with the Kwagga 20 group, reported eNCA.
According to Mail & Guardian, the taxi boss has previously also denied being connected to alleged rogue police officers or using izinkabi (hitmen), saying his relationships with police officers and security providers were legitimate.
His testimony has formed part of the Commission’s broader investigation into allegations of criminality, corruption and the alleged infiltration of South Africa’s criminal justice system.
MADLANGA COMMISSION | Businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni is questioned on what entitles him to a 40% share of mining supplies profits despite not being directly involved in the business. pic.twitter.com/4MzdMDKtgd
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 29, 2026
Questions over alleged extortion
Much of Tuesday’s questioning centred on Ferrari’s business dealings with businessman Dr Tengane Thomas Ntuli, whose company was involved in supplying aggregate to a contractor working on the Moloto Road project.
Ferrari is facing criminal charges in connection with allegations that he and taxi boss Oupa ‘Bafana’ Sindane extorted money from Tengane.
Tengane has alleged that he was expected to make regular payments, which he described as protection fees, after securing business linked to the Moloto Road project. Ferrari has rejected the extortion allegations and maintained that the payments were connected to legitimate business arrangements, reported Daily Maverick.
Ferrari told the Commission that he had contributed R900,000 towards the business venture involving Tengane.
He has also acknowledged receiving payments from Tengane but disputed the suggestion that they amounted to extortion.
R2.29 million in payments questioned
On Wednesday, 30 September 2026, the Commission continued examining the payments made to Ferrari.
According to Sowetan, Ferrari conceded that he received approximately R2.29 million from a subcontractor involved in the Moloto Road project, although he denied that the money was obtained through extortion.
Ferrari maintained that the arrangement was a business partnership and argued that Tengane needed a local partner to meet a local-content requirement.
However, evidence leader Matthew questioned whether documentation proved Ferrari’s interest in the business or demonstrated that such a partnership was required under the tender.
Also see: Madlanga Commission: Court rejects taxi boss’s attempt to block WhatsApp evidence
‘New sheriff’ message under scrutiny
The Commission also examined WhatsApp messages involving Ferrari and Sindane concerning a R500 million Moloto Road deal.
Daily Maverick reported that one message referred to a contractor who wanted to meet and reportedly mentioned a “new sheriff in town.” The Commission heard evidence that the phrase was associated with the alleged influence previously wielded by the late Jotham ‘Mswazi’ Msibi and an alleged network linked to extortion and protection rackets.
Ferrari denied being involved in any R500 million deal, saying the transaction never materialised.
He also questioned the interpretation of some of the WhatsApp messages and maintained that certain messages had been forwarded to him rather than authored by him.
Ferrari challenges questioning
At one point during Tuesday’s proceedings, Ferrari took issue with Matthew’s questioning, saying the Commission was supposed to assist with establishing the facts rather than effectively try him.
He said he would blame Matthew if he were ultimately found guilty, highlighting his view that the Commission should not determine his guilt in the criminal case, according to EWN.
The criminal charges against Ferrari remain separate from the Commission’s inquiry.
Ferrari and his co-accused have denied the criminal allegations and are out on bail.
His cross-examination continued at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday morning, 30 September 2026.
Also see: Feroz Khan faces criminal charges after Madlanga Commission order
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