Taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni has denied any involvement in the torching of Putco buses in 2025. He made these statements while testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on August 28, 2026. Sibanyoni is being cross-examined over allegations that he attempted to extort a 30% local content stake in the bus company. The commission has been investigating various allegations against Sibanyoni, including his alleged links to organised crime.
The Madlanga Commission has heard that Sibanyoni had meetings with Putco in 2023 to acquire a stake in the company. He also met with President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024, where he implied that he would interfere with Putco's operations. Evidence leaders revealed a series of events involving Sibanyoni before and after the arson incident. These events have raised questions about Sibanyoni's involvement in the torching of the buses.
A month after the Putco buses were torched in 2025, a business wing of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), called Taxi-Choice, made an unsolicited offer to buy out the company. However, Putco refused the offer, stating that the timing was "disturbingly calculated". The offer was seen as an attempt to put pressure on Putco to sell to Taxi-Choice.
During his testimony, Sibanyoni took issue with questions about his alleged involvement in extortion. He also denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was only discussing a local content stake and subcontracts from Putco. Sibanyoni's testimony has been closely watched, as it is expected to shed light on his alleged organised crime links.
The Madlanga Commission has also heard details of Sibanyoni's meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. Sibanyoni had discussions with Ramaphosa and other senior government leaders in 2024 about a stake in Putco. The commission is investigating whether Sibanyoni used his connections to influence the company's operations.
Sibanyoni's alleged organised crime links are expected to be spotlighted at the Madlanga Commission. The commission has heard evidence of Sibanyoni's involvement with various individuals, including a convicted hitman. Sibanyoni has been paying the legal fees of the hitman, raising questions about his involvement in organised crime.
The investigation into Sibanyoni's alleged involvement in the torching of Putco buses is ongoing. The Madlanga Commission is expected to hear more testimony from various witnesses. Sibanyoni's testimony has provided new insights into his interactions with Putco and government officials, but the commission still has to consider all the evidence before making any conclusions.
Key points
- Taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni denies involvement in 2025 Putco bus torching
- Madlanga Commission investigates Sibanyoni's alleged organised crime links
- Sibanyoni testifies about meetings with President Cyril Ramaphosa and Putco officials
