By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The High Court in Mpumalanga has granted the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) an asset restraint order preventing Mpumalanga taxi tycoon Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni and his four close associates from selling off or disposing of their fixed assets worth R90 million.
NDPP spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed on Thursday, 29 October 2026, that the order covers luxury vehicles, properties in exclusive estates and residential developments in Centurion and Pretoria, as well as bank accounts and investments allegedly linked to the proceeds of crime.
“The restraint order advances one of the key objectives of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), namely to deprive persons of the proceeds and benefits of crime,” Kganyago said.
The defendants have been ordered to surrender the assets to a court-appointed curator.
Kganyago said the restraint order followed ongoing South African Police Service (SAPS) investigations into extortion and related offences involving Sibanyoni and others.
“Organised crime, in its various forms, poses a serious threat to South Africa’s economy and communities. If left unchecked, extortion and related criminal activities undermine legitimate businesses, discourage investment and impede economic growth,” he said.
“The NPA remains committed to working with law-enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks and ensure that crime does not pay,” Kganyago added.
A provisional restraint order prevents defendants from freely dealing with assets covered by the order while legal proceedings continue. It does not, in itself, constitute a final forfeiture of the assets.
Meanwhile Delft’s Palm taxi rank in Cape Town remains closed and under heavy police guard following two taxi-related shootings.
The shootings come amid a wider wave of taxi-related violence across Cape Town, with incidents reported in Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Epping and Bonteheuwel in recent weeks.
The violence is linked to disputes over lucrative routes between rival taxi associations CATA and CODETA.
Provincial government met with taxi industry representatives on Thursday to discuss the escalating conflict. Fullview understands the government is considering withdrawing operating licences.