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Taxi Driver to ‘Ferrari’: The Rise and Fall of Mpumalanga Tycoon
For three years, a mine owner in Mpumalanga allegedly paid more than R2.2 million in “protection fees” to avoid having his business shut down. The man demanding the money, according to the state, was 60‑year‑old transport mogul Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni.
Sibanyoni was arrested on Tuesday in a pre‑dawn raid by the SAPS Special Task Force at his upscale home in Centurion, Gauteng. The arrest has thrown a harsh spotlight on a man who climbed from the driver’s seat of a single minibus taxi to become one of South Africa’s most powerful and controversial figures in transport, mining, and politics.
Humble Beginnings in Kwaggafontein
Born in Mpumalanga, Sibanyoni started his working life as a taxi driver in Kwaggafontein in 1985. With just one minibus, he began building what would eventually become a sprawling commercial empire.
Over the decades, his interests expanded far beyond passenger transport. Today, his portfolio includes long‑distance buses, freight trucking, logistics, mining, construction, information technology, property development, and a trucking division. His business acumen turned him into one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the province.
Within the taxi industry, Sibanyoni rose to become president of the South African Local and Long-Distance Taxi and Bus Organisation (SANTACO) following the death of his predecessor, Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi. He also chaired Taxi Choice, SANTACO’s commercial arm.
Outside business, he established the Joe Sibanyoni Foundation, which says its goal is to “bridge the economic gap” by funding infrastructure, enterprise development, and education.
Why ‘Ferrari’?
The nickname “Ferrari” comes from his well‑known passion for luxury and high‑performance cars. Social media has often featured his flashy lifestyle, including a widely shared celebration when his son returned from initiation school. That ostentatious display further cemented his reputation as a larger‑than‑life public personality.
Ties to Organised Crime and the ‘Big Five’
Despite his success, Sibanyoni’s name has repeatedly surfaced in connection with organised crime. Investigators link him to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an alleged underworld kingpin who is a central figure in the so‑called “Big Five” cartel; a group accused of taxi violence, murders, and corruption in the Gauteng taxi industry.
The relationship between the two men is complicated. In August 2022, a failed assassination attempt on Sibanyoni took place outside the Centurion Golf Estate. Matlala is currently facing attempted murder charges for that shooting, believed to stem from a power struggle inside the “Big Five” cartel.
Sibanyoni’s name has also been mentioned in witness testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating criminality and political interference in South Africa’s justice system.
The Extortion Case: R2.2 Million in Demands
The charges that led to his arrest were laid by a mine owner in Kwaggafontein in November 2025. According to the state, Sibanyoni and two co‑accused Philemon Msiza and Mvimbi Masilela used threats and intimidation to force the businessman to pay a “protection fee.” If he refused, they allegedly warned, his operation would be shut down.
Between 2022 and 2025, the victim allegedly paid more than R2.2 million to Sibanyoni.
The case was taken up by the SAPS Mpumalanga Organised Crime Unit, whose investigation led to Tuesday’s coordinated arrests in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. A fourth suspect remains at large, and police say further charges may follow.
Arrest, Court Appearance, and ‘I Am a Man of God’
The Special Task Force arrested Sibanyoni at his Centurion home early Tuesday morning. He was then taken to the Middelburg police station.
On Wednesday, 13 May, he appeared with his two co‑accused before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court. The courtroom was packed, with heavily armed officers standing guard.
Unfazed, Sibanyoni smiled at reporters and said: “As a man of God, I am in good spirit and feeling free. To me, it feels like I’m just here to preach to the prisoners — nothing more than that.” When asked if he maintains his innocence, he repeated: “I am a man of God.”
Legal Heavyweight and NPA Criticism
Sibanyoni is represented by Advocate Shaun Abrahams SC, a former National Director of Public Prosecutions. On the morning of the hearing, Abrahams accused the NPA of ignoring his team’s calls and said the investigating officer had switched off his phone. “We are not happy with the game they are playing,” he told reporters.
The state, however, insists it has a strong case. Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa confirmed that the charges fall under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, meaning the state will oppose bail.
Magistrate David Erasmus adjourned the matter until Friday, 15 May, and ordered the three accused to remain in custody. Sibanyoni is being held at the Middelburg police station.
Police Vow to Crush Extortion
Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi praised the investigators who tracked the suspects across provincial borders.
“This arrest sends a clear message that extortion will not be tolerated,” Mkhwanazi said. “Business owners and communities must be able to operate without fear. I commend our officers for their dedication and speed.”
Forensic investigator Chad Thomas called the arrest a “major breakthrough” in the fight against organised crime, noting that extortion affects everyone from large construction firms to small spaza shop owners.
What Happens Next
Sibanyoni, Msiza, and Masilela will return to the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 15 May, when the state will formally argue against bail. Police continue to search for the outstanding fourth suspect.
For now, the man who once drove a single taxi and built a fortune only to be accused of using fear to extract millions sits in a police cell, awaiting his next date with justice.
The is a proof that he did what they say he did ? On the street or areas at kwandebele kwaggafontein mpumalanga , emhlanga mpumalanga…..etc since back then in the year 2005 , people gossip about him some talk openly about him . They said he is not a good person he likes to demand 20% money from your business from other businessman or businesswomen in kwaggafontein mpumalanga , mhlanga mpumalanga every month . But if it is like that that is a serious crime according to the south african law . Some say he send people to shoot others who disobey his command demand when refusing to pay protection fee . Some say he is involved in the taxi association of killing up come young owners and present adult old owners .