Madlanga Commission | Sibanyoni grilled over R900K deal and Ntuli payments

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has scrutinised a trail of payments between, Dr Tengane Ntuli and taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni, as questions mount over their business dealings linked to the Moloto Road Construction project.

Financial records presented to the commission show that Ntuli paid R100,000 into Sibanyoni’s account in July 2021, shortly after what Sibanyoni described as their first meeting.

Sibanyoni, who continued his testimony on Tuesday, maintains that the money exchanged between the pair was strictly related to business.

He told the commission that he invested R900,000 in Ntuli’s business through three instalments in return for a 30% share of the profits, adding that some of the payments were made in cash.

However, the commission has also heard allegations that Sibanyoni and his associate, Mpumalanga taxi boss, Oupa “Bafana” Sindane, demanded R120,000 a month from Ntuli as a so-called protection fee.

Three other individuals allegedly demanded a further R86,000 a month for materials used on the project.

The commission turned its attention to a series of payments from Ntuli to Sibanyoni’s company, MJ and Sons Transport, ranging from R50,000 to R100,000.

Sibanyoni struggled to explain some of the transactions, particularly those made in 2021, while maintaining that his financial contribution to Ntuli came about three months after they entered into their business arrangement.

The dispute over the money has taken a more serious turn, with Ntuli alleging that he was the victim of an extortion racket.

In an affidavit, Ntuli claims threats were made in November 2025 to shut down his mining operations unless protection fees were paid to Sibanyoni.

Sibanyoni disputes the allegation and maintains that their financial dealings were consensual.

He has also asked the commission not to delve further into the matter, arguing that it is sub judice.

Meanwhile, the commission has examined WhatsApp exchanges involving Sibanyoni and Sindane relating to the murder of a taxi queue marshal.

On 16 December 2024, Sibanyoni received information about the case involving, Gwabo Mahlangu, and another accused, Marius, who were subsequently convicted of the murder.

Sibanyoni forwarded the information to Sindane.

He told the commission that he knew Mahlangu through his late father and that Gimajoldta Taxi Association, assisted with Mahlangu’s legal fees at his request.

Sibanyoni says he forwarded the information to Sindane to alert the association that Mahlangu needed financial assistance after his mother approached him for help.

Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson questioned Sibanyoni about the decision.

“What’s your attitude towards people who kill taxi marshals? Do you support that?,” asked Chaskalson.

“No, I don’t,” Sibanyoni responded.

“But in this case you supported Gwabo’s legal representation,” Chaskalson said.

“His family, not Gwabo. His family reached out to me. For example, his mother reached out to me. That was the instance I made, not based on him personally,” Sibanyoni said.

Commissioner, Sandile Khumalo, pointed out that regardless of who requested the assistance, it ultimately went towards Mahlangu’s legal fees while he was facing a murder charge.

Sibanyoni acknowledged this.

He also denied appointing Advocate, Hartley Ngoato, to represent Mahlangu, saying he merely asked the association to meet with the attorney and arrange payment for the legal services.

Tensions later rose when Sibanyoni’s lawyers objected to questions relating to the so-called Kwaggafontein 20 case.

His legal team argued that Sibanyoni has a pending criminal matter and should not be pressed on issues that could potentially prejudice his defence.

Sibanyoni told the commission he fears evidence aired during the proceedings could be seen by the court hearing his criminal case and potentially affect how the matter is considered.

His lawyers also objected to being questioned on a roughly 350-page bundle of documents, saying they had only received it the previous afternoon and had not been given sufficient time to study it.

Sibanyoni maintains that he will only address the Kwaggafontein 20 matter to the extent covered in his statement to the commission, leaving the remaining issues to be dealt with in the criminal court.

The commission continues to probe the financial dealings, alleged protection payments and relationships involving figures in the taxi industry.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao