By: Saneliso Mlambo
Taxi boss Joe ‘Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his associate Oupa “Bafana” Sindane have received Rule 10.6 notices from the Madlanga Commission.
The notices require both men to respond to matters linked to alleged organised crime networks. Sibanyoni is a prominent taxi industry figure, while Sindane is known as his associate.
The commission’s action brings both men directly into an investigation examining alleged criminal syndicates and their connections. It also gives them an opportunity to respond to evidence that could affect them.
Sibanyoni’s notice specifically raises questions about his alleged relationship with late taxi boss Jothan “King Mswazi” Msibi. He is also expected to address his alleged relationship with controversial businessman Steven Motsumi.
Msibi’s name has featured prominently in the commission’s investigation into suspected criminal networks. He has been linked in evidence to the alleged “Big Five” cartel.
The alleged cartel has been associated with protection fees, money-laundering operations and mining activities. The commission is examining the people, businesses and police relationships allegedly connected to these networks.
Motsumi has also emerged as a significant figure in the inquiry. Evidence before the commission has included allegations that confidential police information was shared with him.
Those allegations have involved members of the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit. The commission is also examining Motsumi’s alleged connections to Msibi and other people linked to the investigation.
Another focus is the alleged “Kwagga 20” criminal syndicate. The alleged network has been linked to areas including Kwaggafontein, KwaMhlanga and Siyabuswa.
Sibanyoni will therefore be expected to account for his alleged relationships with key figures appearing in this wider investigation. Sindane has also received a separate Rule 10.6 notice requiring him to respond to matters identified by the commission.
The commission has not publicly disclosed all the questions contained in Sindane’s notice. It has also not confirmed whether either man will ultimately testify in open hearings.
Sibanyoni and Sindane are facing charges of extortion and money laundering in a separate criminal case. The matter was previously struck from the court roll before being re-enrolled.
The two men remain out on R50,000 bail in that criminal matter. The criminal proceedings are separate from the Madlanga Commission’s inquiry.