KWAGGAFONTEIN- Businessman Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni (60), together with his two co-accused, Phillmon Makhaya Msiza (55) and Mvimba Daniel Masilela (45), appeared before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on charges of extortion and two counts of money laundering.
During their first appearance on Wednesday, May 13, the State applied for a seven-day postponement of the bail application, which the defence opposed. However, the court postponed the matter to 15 May 2026 for appearance before a new presiding officer.
The State alleges that between 2022 and 2025, in the Nkangala District, the accused unlawfully exerted pressure on the complainant by forcing him to pay a protection fee amounting to more than R2.2 million.
The accused allegedly threatened to shut down the complainant’s business operations should he fail to comply with their demands.
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It is further alleged that the complainant deposited the money into the accuseds’ bank accounts, after which the funds were allegedly laundered through various bank accounts.
The accused were arrested this week following an intensive police investigation.
The accused are facing serious offences that fall under Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The State is therefore opposing their release on bail.
Investigations into the matter are continuing and the accused are expected back in court today
