Father calls for action as gang violence and police corruption allegations deepen

At the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Friday, 28 August 2026, Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni, a prominent figure in South Africa's taxi industry, testified about his interactions with former police minister Bheki Cele three months prior to an attempted assassination against him. Sibanyoni claimed he had warned Cele about a "cartel" causing chaos within the taxi sector, alleging that senior members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were complicit in the violence. Cele reportedly responded by asking what he was expected to do about the situation. Sibanyoni, who is currently facing charges related to an extortion case involving more than R2 million and a businessman from Mpumalanga, gave his first-ever testimony before the commission. During his appearance, he spoke confidently and passionately, distancing himself from allegations that he is a crime boss. He emphasized that his nickname, "Ferrari," stems from his lifestyle and personality rather than any criminal activity. The testimony came amid ongoing investigations into the so-called Big Five cartel, a group accused of infiltrating various sectors of South African society. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, initially raised concerns about this cartel in 2025, leading to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission. Sibanyoni detailed his extensive involvement in the taxi industry, property, and community development over a span of 42 years. During his testimony, Sibanyoni recounted two separate assassination attempts against him, one in 2006 and another in 2022. He attributed the 2006 incident to fellow taxi boss Jothan "King Mswazi" Msibi, who died in 2024. Sibanyoni suggested that Msibi might have been behind the earlier attempt on his life. This aligns with broader narratives surrounding the Big Five cartel, which is believed to have operated under various names such as the Firm or the Farm. Sibanyoni also mentioned that he and Msibi had planned to retire at the age of 60 but later decided otherwise. He interpreted Msibi's statement, "we die in the business," as a veiled threat. The commission heard that Sibanyoni holds multiple roles, including president of the South African Local and Long Distance Taxi and Bus Organisation and founder of the Joe Sibanyoni Foundation. In addition to the alleged involvement of SAPS officials, Sibanyoni pointed to Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who faces various charges including attempted murder. Matlala is suspected of being part of the Big Five cartel and is believed to have played a role in the 2022 attempted assassination of Sibanyoni. Cele, who has acknowledged knowing Matlala personally, has been linked to the case through previous encounters. As the Madlanga Commission continues its inquiry, the testimonies and evidence presented thus far highlight the complex web of relationships and affiliations within the taxi industry and beyond. The implications of these revelations could significantly impact the understanding of how deeply organized crime has permeated South Africa's institutions.