Kwaggafontein – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has located state prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba, who failed to appear at the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, where he was assigned to a high-profile case.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago told SABC News channel The Agenda that Ntaba said he stayed away from work after receiving threats.
Ntaba’s absence on Monday, 18 May 2026, led to the extortion and money laundering case against taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and three co-accused being struck off the roll by Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni.
The accused – Sibanyoni, Bafana “King of Sky” Sindane, Mvimbi Masilela, and Philemon Msiza – walked free.
The four had been arrested for allegedly extorting more than R2 million in “protection fees” from a Mpumalanga businessman over an extended period.
After Ntaba was a no-show, the magistrate issued a warrant for his arrest, and the NPA immediately suspended him.
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NPA spokesperson, Kganyago, said investigations into Ntaba’s absence were underway.
“We have talked to him, and he has clearly indicated to us that he felt threatened,” Kganyago revealed.
“Those are all things being investigated.
“We need to understand not only from him but from all the role players who did what and who didn’t do what.”
He confirmed Ntaba has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, which could be concluded as early as next week.
Kganyago stated that the NPA was also reviewing court records to determine whether proceedings were handled correctly.
National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Mothibi has instructed that the case be re-enrolled.
There is an impression that the accused were acquitted, and that was not the case. The matter was just struck off the roll.
“The director of public prosecution in Mpumalanga must sign a certificate to re-enrol the matter, which is being worked on,” Kganyago said.
