The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that the R2.2-million extortion case against Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and his three co-accused will be re-enrolled on Thursday in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court. This comes after Chief Magistrate Tule-tu Tonjeni struck the matter from the roll in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court last week when the prosecutor failed to arrive.
The NPA has filed a formal complaint against Tonjeni with the Magistrates Commission, citing concerns over judicial decorum, procedural fairness, and the proper administration of justice. According to NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, the complaint aims to protect the integrity of the magistracy. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will likely be monitoring the case closely.
Background of the Case
Sibanyoni and his co-accused, Mvimbi Masilela, Philemon Msiza, and Oupa Josiah “Bafana” Sindane, face charges of extortion and money laundering for allegedly demanding more than R2 million in “protection money” from a Mpumalanga businessman between 2022 and 2025.
Prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba had raised serious safety concerns and requested a different court date due to other urgent cases. However, Tonjeni issued a warrant for Ntaba’s arrest and struck the matter from the roll. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Mpumalanga has since filed a notice of leave to appeal against the contempt of court order and the authorization of a warrant of arrest.
Key Developments
- The case will be re-enrolled in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
- A formal complaint has been filed against Chief Magistrate Tule-tu Tonjeni with the Magistrates Commission.
- The NPA has expressed concerns over judicial decorum, procedural fairness, and the proper administration of justice.
The Magistrates Commission of South Africa will investigate the complaint against Tonjeni. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the accused and the broader justice system in South Africa.
