Prominent taxi boss Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni has been arrested, with links to alleged underworld figures, including Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Sibanyoni, known for his high-end sports cars, has been a key figure in Gauteng’s taxi industry, with an estimated 400 taxis generating R18 million in monthly revenue.
The arrest is reportedly connected to a violent power struggle within the so-called ‘Big Five’ cartel, a Gauteng-based criminal network with alleged ties to politicians and law enforcement. Matlala, also a prominent figure, was previously arrested and charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
Sibanyoni’s links to Matlala and other underworld figures have been under scrutiny, with testimony at the Madlanga Commission revealing alleged police information leaks and underworld rivalries. The commission has also heard evidence of Sibanyoni’s influence in the industry, despite not being formally identified as part of the ‘Big Five’ cartel.
The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into organized crime and corruption in South Africa’s taxi industry.
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