By Mapaballo Borotho
- Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi has criticised a state prosecutor for failing to appear in the corruption and extortion case involving taxi tycoon Joe Sibanyoni and his co-accused.
- Kubayi warned that such failures by state institutions damage public confidence in South Africa’s justice system.
- The accused face charges linked to the alleged extortion of more than R2.2 million from a businessman in Mpumalanga’s Nkangala district.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mamoloko Kubayi has expressed disappointment over the state prosecutor who failed to appear in the Mpumalanga extortion and corruption case.
This comes after state prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba failed to appear at the Kwaggafontein Magistrates Court on Monday for the corruption case involving taxi tycoon Joe Sibanyoni and his co-accused.
Kubayi said Ntaba’s actions further weaken public trust in the criminal justice system, which has already faced criticism from many South Africans.
“It is in the interest of justice that the accused persons are allowed to respond to the charges brought against them in a court of law. Technical lapses of this nature, especially by state institutions, must be avoided so that the public does not lose confidence in our justice system,” said Minister Kubayi.
She urged the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to implement systems and processes to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in future.
A warrant of arrest has since been issued against Ntaba for contempt of court.
Where the Case Originates
Sibanyoni, together with Bafana Oupa Sindane, Phillmon Makhaya Msiza and Mvimba Daniel Masilela, faces charges of extortion and two counts of money laundering.
The state alleges that between 2022 and 2025, the accused forced a businessman in the Nkangala district to pay more than R2.2 million as a so-called protection fee.
It is further alleged that the victim was threatened with the shutdown of his business operations if he refused to comply.
The case against the group has been struck off the roll.
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