By Anita Dangazele
- NPA head Advocate Andy Mothibi says Ntaba was already on his way to court when he received messages threatening to kill him if he proceeded with the hearing.
- Sibanyoni’s extortion case returns to Kwaggafontein Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 28 May, after collapsing when Ntaba turned back earlier this month.
The prosecutor at the centre of the Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni case received death threats on his way to court. That is what National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi said on Tuesday.
Mkhuseli Ntaba was already driving to Kwaggafontein Magistrates’ Court on 18 May when he received messages warning him he would be killed if he went ahead with the hearing. He turned back. The case was struck off the roll. Sibanyoni and his three co-accused walked free.
The NPA suspended Ntaba after the collapse and opened an internal investigation.
In an interview with eNCA, Mothibi said he expects a report within days. If the threat is verified and Ntaba is vindicated, Mothibi said the suspension will be lifted and Ntaba will return to work.
The case itself is back in court on Thursday, 28 May.
Sibanyoni, 60, and co-accused Mvimbi Daniel Masilela, Bafana “King of the Sky” Sindane and Philemon Msiza face charges of extorting more than R2.2-million from a mining businessman over three years. Prosecutors say the businessman paid protection money from 2022 to 2025 before finally going to the police.
On Tuesday, the NPA filed a formal complaint with the Magistrates Commission against Chief Magistrate Tuletu Tonjeni, who struck the case off the roll and convicted Ntaba for contempt.
The NPA has also filed for leave to appeal that conviction. No date has been set for the appeal, but Mothibi said the NPA wants it heard quickly.
The judiciary has not commented.
Sibanyoni’s business empire spans taxis, mining, real estate and construction and is estimated at more than R300-million. He earned his nickname for his love of the Italian sports car brand.
Pictured above: Taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni faces extortion and money laundering charges alongside three co-accused.
Image source: NPA
