Taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has been released on bail by the Delmas Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) formally re-enrolled a R2.2-million extortion and money laundering case against him and his co-accused.

The matter, which involves allegations that Sibanyoni and others forced mining entrepreneur Tengani Ntuli to pay so-called protection fees between 2022 and 2025, was heard under a Schedule 5 bail application.The state did not oppose bail, and the court found that it was in the interests of justice for the accused to be released while proceedings continue.The case had previously been delayed after a prosecutor failed to attend a scheduled hearing, citing threats to his life.The NPA has since placed the prosecutor on precautionary leave.The matter was subsequently re-enrolled, and the court also issued a J50 arrest warrant as part of earlier procedural developments.

Sibanyoni had attempted to stop his arrest by approaching the Mbombela High Court, arguing that a summons would have been sufficient to secure his attendance.Alongside Sibanyoni, co-accused Bafana Oupa Sindane, Mvimbi Masilela and Philemon Msiza also face charges linked to the alleged extortion scheme.The case includes claims that Ntuli made numerous cash payments totalling over R2.2 million.

The NPA has confirmed that it is appealing a contempt order related to earlier proceedings and has lodged a complaint with the Magistrates’ Commission.The matter is now set to return to court on 1 September, with the prosecution indicating it is ready to proceed.