Court fiasco in Sibanyoni case sparks concern from Justice Minister

May 19, 2026 48

Justice Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has urged the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure that what unfolded in the Joe Sibanyoni case in the Kwaggafontein Magistrates’ Court does not happen again.

The taxi tycoon and his three co-accused walked out scot-free from the extortion case yesterday after the state prosecutor failed to appear in court, despite having informed the court on Friday that he would not be available yesterday.

Jubilation broke out in the courtroom gallery on Monday after the magistrate struck the matter of the roll, finding the state prosecutor in contempt of court. A J50 warrant of arrest was also issued for the prosecutor.

Minister Kubayi labeled what transpired in court as a disappointment.

“It is in the interest of justice that the accused persons are given an opportunity to respond to the charges brought against them in the court of law. Technical lapses of this nature, especially by state institutions, must be avoided so that the public does not lose confidence in our justice system.”

TO : ALL MEDIA
ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS
DATE: 18 MAY 2026

MINISTER KUBAYI WELCOMES THE SWIFT ACTION TAKEN AGAINST THE PROSECUTOR ACCCUSED OF THE CONTEMPT OF COURT

The Minister of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi, welcomes the swift…

— The DoJ & CD (@DOJCD_ZA) May 18, 2026

Meanwhile, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has also weighed in, saying the conduct directly compromises the country’s fight against organised crime.

Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, says the prosecutor’s actions demonstrate a gross betrayal of the constitutional mandate.

“At a time when the country is battling a scourge of extortion, for a representative of the state to simply vanish and cause a major criminal case to be struck off the roll is an absolute disgrace.”

JUSTICE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON CONDEMNS SHOCKING MISCONDUCT BY MPUMALANGA PROSECUTOR; DEMANDS SWIFT ACCOUNTABILITY https://t.co/OuuHtIZeMQ @ParliamentofRSA @DOJCD_ZA @NPA_Prosecutes @DefenceCluster @HealthSocClust @GovernanceClus1 @FinanceCluster @EconoCluster @Xola_Nqola pic.twitter.com/bYr7LRK6Bg

— Justice-and-security-Cluster (@JustSecuCluster) May 19, 2026