NPA Moves To Freeze R99 Million Assets Linked To Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has secured a provisional court order to freeze assets estimated to be worth R99 million and linked to Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and other individuals implicated in alleged organised criminal activities.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the order stems from an ongoing extortion case and related matters in which Sibanyoni is implicated.

“On 28 September, the AFU obtained an uncapped provisional restraint order from the Middelburg High Court, in terms of section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act,” Kganyago said.

He explained that the order covers movable and immovable property currently valued at approximately R99 million.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Suliman Carrim Granted Bail In Madlanga Commission Case As Other Charges Loom

“The restrained assets comprise movable and immovable property currently estimated at R99m. The restraint order was obtained on the basis that the assets constitute realisable property and represent benefits allegedly derived from criminal activities,” he said.

The order restricts the defendants from dealing with the assets while the legal process continues. It is not a final forfeiture order or a finding that the assets were obtained through criminal activity.

Luxury Properties And Vehicles Among Assets Frozen

According to Kganyago, the assets include properties in exclusive golf estates in Centurion, as well as several houses and estate properties in Centurion and Pretoria.

The restraint order also covers a collection of luxury vehicles, including Ferraris, a Porsche, a Lexus, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and BMWs.

In addition to the properties and vehicles, the defendants are required to surrender various bank accounts and investments to a curator appointed by the court.

“The defendants are also required to surrender various bank accounts and investments to the curator appointed by the court,” Kganyago said.

The AFU obtained the order under section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), which allows the restraint of property that may later be subject to confiscation proceedings.

Sibanyoni And Three Others Face Extortion And Money Laundering Charges

Sibanyoni, Bafana Sindane, Mvimbi Masilela and Philemon Msiza were arrested in May and charged with extortion and money laundering following a criminal complaint lodged by Dr Thomas Ntuli.

Ntuli had secured a tender with the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to upgrade the Moloto Road.

The accused allegedly demanded that Ntuli pay them a protection fee to ensure that his operations could continue without disruption.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mapisa-Nqakula Warrant Issued After No-Show In Corruption Trial

According to the allegations, the group told Ntuli that he needed to make the payment for his business activities to operate smoothly and avoid interference.

The case highlights concerns about extortion targeting businesses and infrastructure projects, where criminal groups allegedly demand payments in exchange for allowing legitimate operations to continue.

The charges against Sibanyoni and his co-accused remain allegations and have yet to be proven in court.

NPA Says Asset Freeze Targets Proceeds Of Crime

Kganyago said the restraint order advances one of the key objectives of POCA: depriving individuals of the proceeds and benefits of crime.

“Organised crime, in its various forms, poses a serious threat to SA’s economy and communities. If left unchecked, extortion and related criminal activities undermine legitimate businesses, discourage investment and impede economic growth,” he said.

He added that the NPA remained committed to working with law-enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks and ensure that crime does not pay.

The provisional restraint order marks a significant step in the authorities’ efforts to restrict assets allegedly connected to the case while criminal proceedings continue.

The final outcome of the restraint proceedings and the criminal case will be determined through the legal process.