Mpumalanga taxi boss and businessman Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on September 29, 2026. He denied any involvement in the January 27, 2025, attacks on 50 PUTCO buses in Mpumalanga. The attacks, which involved armed men storming four PUTCO depots, resulted in one worker being shot in the leg and several buses being torched with flammable liquids.
Sibanyoni had previously warned President Cyril Ramaphosa that if there were reports of disruptions to PUTCO's operations, they should immediately attribute them to his group. This warning was made during an ANC campaign event in KwaNdebele in 2024, where Ramaphosa and ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe were present. Footage played at the Madlanga Commission showed Sibanyoni telling Ramaphosa that local groups wanted a 30% operational stake in PUTCO.
Sibanyoni stated that his group wanted to play a role in PUTCO, citing the company's 40-year presence in the area. He appealed to the state to help local groups gain access to the business, saying the 30% share belonged to the people of KwaNdebele. Sibanyoni warned that if their demands were not addressed, they would take matters into their own hands.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry examined the apparent link between Sibanyoni's warning and the subsequent violence. Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC questioned Sibanyoni about his involvement in the attacks. Sibanyoni firmly denied any involvement, stating that his interaction with Ramaphosa and Mantashe concerned legitimate community and public issues.
Sibanyoni maintained that his engagement with Ramaphosa and Mantashe was conducted in relation to legitimate public and community matters of which he had firsthand knowledge. He denied that his warning was a threat, instead characterizing it as a statement of fact. The commission also questioned Sibanyoni about payments allegedly made towards the legal costs of Gwabo Mahlangu, a convicted criminal linked to taxi-related murders.
The investigation into the PUTCO bus attacks and Sibanyoni's involvement is ongoing. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to examine allegations of extortion and other crimes related to taxi associations and bosses. Sibanyoni has faced fresh scrutiny over his business dealings, including a R500m Moloto Road deal and a R900k business payment to a man accusing him of extortion.
Sibanyoni's appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry highlights the complex relationships between taxi associations, government officials, and business interests in South Africa. The commission's findings are expected to shed light on the extent of Sibanyoni's involvement in the PUTCO bus attacks and other alleged crimes.
Key points
- Sibanyoni denies involvement in the January 2025 attacks on PUTCO buses despite a warning to President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024.
- The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to examine allegations of extortion and other crimes related to taxi associations and bosses.
- Sibanyoni's business dealings, including a R500m Moloto Road deal and a R900k business payment, have faced scrutiny.
