Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni has made allegations that suspended SAPS deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was part of a network led by the late taxi boss Jotham Msibi. Sibanyoni testified before the Madlanga Commission, stating that Sibiya frequently visited Msibi's farm in Hammanskraal, where influential figures, including EFF leader Julius Malema, were also seen. Sibanyoni claimed that Sibiya received instructions from Msibi.
Sibiya has previously denied allegations linking him to the so-called Big 5 cartel, stating that he did not receive bribes, kickbacks, or other gratification from alleged criminal networks. He also denied being on the payroll of alleged cartel boss Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Sibiya maintained that the alleged cartel was not real, saying, "The cartel doesn't exist." His claims contradict evidence given by senior police officials who described the alleged syndicate and its activities to the commission.
The Madlanga Commission has heard evidence that appears to challenge parts of Sibiya's account, including WhatsApp messages involving police subordinates that allegedly referred to Sibiya's links with Msibi and other alleged cartel figures. Sibiya is facing serious criminal charges, including rape, human trafficking, and the alleged sexual grooming of a child. The state alleged that he took an 18-year-old woman and her friends to a Sandton nightclub, supplied them with alcohol, and later raped the woman at a nearby hotel while she was unconscious.
Sibiya has admitted to having sexual contact with the woman but maintains that it was consensual and has described the allegations as false and "trumped up." The state further alleged that between July and August 2026, Sibiya used electronic communications to sexually groom a 16-year-old girl and pressured her into sending explicit videos. Sibiya was arrested on September 21 by the Commission's Recommendations Task Team.
During his bail hearing at the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, Sibiya's legal team indicated that he intends to plead not guilty to all charges. He is due back in court on Thursday. Sibiya has also clashed with SAPS leadership, blaming National Commissioner Fannie Masemola for turmoil within the police service while defending his decision to dismantle a task team investigating political killings.
Sibiya argued that the move was aimed at strengthening ordinary policing structures rather than shielding criminal networks. However, evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson questioned Sibanyoni about his possession of a restricted internal SAPS letter, which led to Sibanyoni's allegations against Sibiya. The commission will continue to investigate the allegations against Sibiya and other implicated individuals.
The allegations against Sibiya have raised concerns about corruption within the SAPS and the alleged involvement of police officials in organized crime. The Madlanga Commission's investigation aims to uncover the truth behind these allegations and bring those responsible to account. Sibiya's case will continue to be closely watched as it unfolds in court.
Key points
- Suspended SAPS deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya allegedly received instructions from late taxi boss Jotham Msibi.
- Sibiya faces serious criminal charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual grooming.
- The Madlanga Commission's investigation aims to uncover corruption within the SAPS and alleged organized crime involvement.
