The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard testimony from taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni on Wednesday, where he denied allegations of extortion and unlawful use of police resources. Sibanyoni, also known as "Ferrari," claimed that suspended General Shadrack Sibiya visited the premises of an alleged criminal syndicate. The commission is investigating allegations of corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service.
Sibanyoni's testimony revealed that he had a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he demanded easy access to a stake in the bus company Putco. Despite video footage of the meeting, Sibanyoni denied interfering in operations, stating that "interference means engagement." He also refused to comment on alleged unlawful police escorts and seemed uncertain about how he came across an internal police notice.
The taxi boss insisted that he never took over the alleged cartel operations of the late taxi-boss, Jothan Msibi. However, he claimed that rape-accused Sibiya reported to Msibi. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo questioned Sibanyoni about Sibiya's visits to the farm, to which Sibanyoni replied that it was "terribly wrong." The commission is set to resume on 9 November 2026.
Sibanyoni's testimony also touched on his involvement in the 2025 Putco bus torching. He denied any involvement, contradicting previous reports. The taxi boss was also questioned about his payment of legal fees for a convicted hitman, which he seemed evasive about.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service. The commission's hearings have revealed a complex web of relationships between police officials, taxi bosses, and alleged crime syndicates. The inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind these allegations and bring those responsible to account.
Sibanyoni's testimony has raised concerns about the involvement of police officials in organized crime. The suspended General Shadrack Sibiya is currently facing a bail hearing. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has registered around 300 cases of police misconduct linked to gender-based violence and femicide in 2025/26.
The Madlanga Commission's findings are expected to have significant implications for the South African Police Service. The inquiry's recommendations may lead to further action against those implicated in corruption and misconduct. The commission's work is crucial in promoting accountability and transparency within the police service.
Key points
- Taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni places suspended General Shadrack Sibiya at premises of alleged criminal syndicate.
- Sibanyoni denies allegations of extortion and unlawful use of police resources.
- The Madlanga Commission's findings may lead to further action against those implicated in corruption and misconduct.
