NPA secures R99 million asset restraint order linked to Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni - IOL

The National Prosecuting Authority has secured a provisional restraint order over assets worth an estimated R99 million linked to Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and four others allegedly involved in organised criminal activities, including extortion.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a provisional restraint order over assets valued at an estimated R99 million linked to prominent Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and others allegedly involved in organised criminal activities, including extortion.

The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mpumalanga obtained the order in collaboration with the authority’s Organised Crime Unit and the police.

The other individuals named in the matter are Philemon Makhaya Msiza, Mvimbi Daniel Masilela, Oupa Sindane and Rose Sibanyoni.

On September 28, the AFU obtained an uncapped provisional restraint order from the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Middelburg in terms of Section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA).

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the order stemmed from ongoing investigations into alleged criminal activities involving extortion and related offences linked to Sibanyoni and the other individuals.

“The restrained assets comprise movable and immovable property currently estimated at R99 million,” Kganyago said.

He said the order was obtained on the basis that the assets constituted realisable property and represented benefits allegedly derived from criminal activities.

The assets include properties in exclusive golf estates in Centurion, as well as several houses and properties in Centurion and Pretoria.

“Luxury motor vehicles subject to the order include Ferraris, a Porsche, a Lexus, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and BMWs,” Kganyago said.

He added that the defendants were also required to surrender various bank accounts and investments to a curator appointed by the court.

“The restraint order advances one of the key objectives of POCA, namely to deprive persons of the proceeds and benefits of crime,” he said.

Kganyago said organised crime posed 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,” he added.