Madlanga Commission | Katiso Molefe moved drug operations to Mswazi’s farm, claims Sibanyoni

Taxi empire operator, Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, says alleged underworld kingpin, Katiso “KT” Molefe, moved his alleged drug-dealing operations to the farm of late taxi boss, Jothan “King Mswazi” Msibi in Hammanskraal.

Sibanyoni testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Friday, saying he became aware of the alleged move between 2021 and 2022, based on information he received from other individuals.

He also testified that he was introduced to controversial businessman, Steve Motsumi and Molefe, through Msibi.

However, Sibanyoni rejected any suggestion that he has business ties or financial dealings with either Motsumi or Molefe.

“I know Mr. Steven Motsumi. I met him through the late Mr. Msibi in or around 2012 or 2013 at Mr. Msibi’s premises in Woodhill. Our acquaintance is a social one arising from our shared connection to Mr. Msibi. There is no business relationship between us and no financial dealing of any kind.”

Sibanyoni says the same applies to his relationship with Molefe.

“I know Mr. Katiso Molefe. I have already met him as far back as 2016 or 2017 in Woodhill Golf Estate at Msibi’s home. I came to know him through the late Mr. Msibi. I have met him a few times and have also met him at what I understand to be Mr. Msibi’s farm. Our acquaintance is social and arose entirely through the late Mr. Msibi. There is no business relationship between and no financial dealings of any kind between us.”

Sibanyoni further alleged that alleged underworld figures, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Molefe, acted as hitmen for Msibi.

Sibanyoni also alleges that a close associate of Msibi once attempted to assassinate him.

He told the commission that the alleged attack took place at a golf estate in Akasia, Pretoria, while he was with a friend who was killed in the shooting.

Sibanyoni says he is certain about the identity of the alleged perpetrator because he was able to see the person responsible. He claims the suspect was an associate of Msibi.

He says that when he confronted Msibi in an attempt to establish what had happened, the late taxi boss distanced himself from the incident, telling Sibanyoni that he should resolve the matter directly with the alleged perpetrator.

The commission was also presented with a text message that Sibanyoni says he sent to former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, detailing allegations of criminal activity involving individuals in the taxi industry and law enforcement.

Sibanyoni was questioned by the commission’s evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, about the identities of the alleged criminals he was referring to and his assessment of their impact on the communities in which they operate.

He testified that the message was an appeal for Cele’s attention, in an effort to alert the former minister to what was happening. Sibanyoni said too many lives were being lost, particularly in Tshwane.

He further suggested that the alleged criminals were operating from a farm.

“A lot of people were dying around Tshwane, for an example, because I am a citizen around here, so I would know that people are dying here and there. Therefore, it was my obligation as a senior citizen to give information to him. At that time, I had that all this is happening because of the existence of the farm, so I took it that maybe the minister is not aware of that,” Sibanyoni said.

Sibanyoni also rejected allegations that he is part of a criminal cartel or syndicate.

He described himself as a senior taxi industry leader with more than four decades of experience, saying he has operated within an industry characterised by complex organisational dynamics, competing interests and, at times, violence.

Sibanyoni said allegations of criminality against any individual should be carefully assessed within this broader structural context.

“I deny emphatically and absolutely that I am or have ever been a member of any criminal organisation, cartel, syndicates, or grouping. I have never directed, financed, commissioned, or participated in any unlawful activity. I have never been trialed or even been convicted of any criminal offense. The Delmas charges are charges which I deny and I intend to contest fully so,” Sibanyoni said.

Sibanyoni further alleged that some law enforcement officers act as proxies for individuals within the taxi industry.

He told the commission that he was aware of instances in which certain taxi associations allegedly involved law enforcement officials in such arrangements.

However, he stressed that he did not have specific information about these dealings, saying such arrangements are often conducted behind closed doors.

Sibanyoni added that identifying individuals involved in different associations can be difficult, as some of these agreements are allegedly made between as few as two people.

Sibanyoni is expected to return to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 21 September.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao