By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni was back at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College for cross-examination on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
Sibanyoni is accused of extortion in the mining sector, is being probed over alleged dealings in criminal syndicates.
Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson read the statement of businessman Tengane Ntuli, who alleged that Sibanyoni and accomplice Oupa Bafana Sindane forced him to pay protection fees to secure a tender contract.
Sibanyoni denied any wrongdoing, claiming his involvement was part of a legitimate deal to help Ntuli secure the contract.
Sibanyoni explained that Ntuli had mining rights at a quarry, and that they met to discuss the possibility of what the former called “local content”.
Tender regulations stipulate that 30% of contract work needs to go to local businesses, which was a stumbling block for Ntuli, who is based in Middelburg.
Sibanyoni said he and Ntuli came to an agreement, with the taxi boss claiming he paid R900 000 as an investment into the partnership.
Chaskalson began to probe the payments, and Sibanyoni became agitated, noting he was facing extortion charges related to accusations made by Ntuli.
“Chair, where I am seated with the matter of Mr Ntuli, it’s a matter that is sub judice.”
The commission was shown a WhatsApp message sent by Sindane after a payment was missed.
“Good day bab’ Ntuli, I’m sad and disappointed to have to write another message to you to chase for payment,” Sindane wrote.
He referred to what he described as an earlier agreement involving a 60/40 split with Sibanyoni and questioned why the amount being paid had been reduced.
He gave Ntuli 48 hours to explain why the operation should not be stopped.
Chaskalson told the Commission that the affidavits and WhatsApp exchanges pointed to what he characterised as an alleged extortion racket enforced through threats of violence.
Ntuli was the director of a company, Tengane Mining, that obtained a mining right for a farm in Mkobola in Mpumalanga, on 15 December 2022. The operation was intended to supply aggregate stone to King Civil, Sanral’s main contractor on a section of the Moloto Road.
He approached King Civil to supply material and was referred to its community liaison officer, Makhaya Msiza, who allegedly referred him to Mvimbi Masilela, chairperson of the local business forum, who then referred him to Sibanyoni.
According to Ntuli, Sibanyoni demanded R100,000 in cash at the first meeting in July 2022. Ntuli said he paid it.
He further alleged that Sibanyoni and Sindane demanded 40% of his contract income. When he objected, he was instructed to pay R100,000 a month to a transport company linked to Sibanyoni — a payment Ntuli described as a “protection fee”.
Records before the commission show about R2.29-million was paid into the account.
WhatsApp messages appear to support Ntuli’s account. In one exchange, Ntuli explained why he had struggled to maintain the R100,000 payments, citing King Civil’s poor performance and reduced income. Sibanyoni’s testimony continues on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.