Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Police in Mpumalanga have arrested three suspects, including a prominent businessman.
The matter is in connection with a case reported in Kwaggafontein in 2025.
Although the police have not named the arrested trio, eNCA is reporting that Prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni is one of the individuals in police custody.
Sibanyoni, whose name has come up in witness testimony before the Madlanga Commission, was allegedly linked to alleged underworld figures, including jailed “businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
The businessman earned the nickname “Ferrari” from admirers of his red Ferrari.
Quoting “impeccable sources,” eNCA reports that Sibanyoni was taken in by the Special Task Force in Pretoria early hours of the morning on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrests of three persons but did not name them.
“The suspects were arrested in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 12 May 2026, in the provinces of Gauteng and Mpumalanga respectively,” Colonel Masondo said.
“It is alleged that the suspects demanded money from a businessman over an extended period of time until he reported the matter at Kwaggafontein Police Station.”
The spokesperson said the case was referred to the SAPS Mpumalanga Organised Crime Unit for further investigation, which led to the arrests.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Wednesday, 13 May 2026, facing a charge of extortion.
Colonel Masondo also revealed that at least one other known suspect was yet to be arrested.
“At this stage, the Police cannot rule out the possibilities of adding more charges against the arrested suspects, in relation to other cases, as the investigation continues,” said Colonel Masondo.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the police for the arrest.
“The arrest of these suspects sends a clear message that extortion will not be tolerated,” the major general said.
“Business owners and communities must be able to operate without fear of intimidation and criminal demands.
“I commend these men and women in Blue for their dedication and swift action in tracking down the suspects across provincial lines.
“We urge anyone who is a victim of extortion to come forward and report it.
“The SAPS has specialised units in place to investigate these cases and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law.”
