Controversial taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has been arrested in connection with an extortion case, adding another dramatic twist to the long-running allegations and controversies that have surrounded the prominent KwaNdebele businessman for years.

Sibanyoni was reportedly arrested during an early morning operation on Tuesday before being transported to Pretoria. His arrest comes amid an investigation by the SAPS Mpumalanga Organised Crime Unit into alleged extortion activities linked to a case first reported at the Kwaggafontein Police Station in 2025.

Police confirmed that three suspects, aged between 46 and 60, were arrested during coordinated operations conducted in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

Although police did not officially name the suspects, multiple sources identified one of those arrested as Sibanyoni, widely known as “Ferrari” because of his flashy lifestyle and displays of wealth that frequently trend on social media.

Sibanyoni rose to national attention after hosting an extravagant celebration for his son’s return from initiation school, an event that drew widespread attention online and cemented his reputation as one of the most high-profile figures in the taxi industry.

Over the years, his name has repeatedly surfaced in allegations involving taxi industry violence, alleged police leaks, underworld connections and disputes within transport circles, though he has never been convicted of those claims.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the office of the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga said the arrests followed an intensive investigation by organised crime detectives.

“It is alleged that the suspects demanded money from a businessman over an extended period of time until he reported the matter at Kwaggafontein Police Station,” police said.

“The case was referred to the SAPS Mpumalanga Organised Crime Unit for further investigation, which led to the arrests.”

Police also confirmed that one suspect remains at large and warned that additional charges could still be added as investigations continue.

“The police cannot rule out the possibilities of adding more charges against the arrested suspects, in relation to other cases, as the investigation continues,” the statement read.

Sibanyoni has also been linked in reports to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a controversial businessman whose name has surfaced in several criminal investigations and allegations involving organised crime networks.

Impeccable sources close to the investigation said members of the Special Task Force were involved in the early morning operation that led to the arrests.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of extortion.

Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi praised investigators for tracking down the suspects across provincial lines.

“The arrest of these suspects sends a clear message that extortion will not be tolerated,” Mkhwanazi said.

“Business owners and communities must be able to operate without fear of intimidation and criminal demands. I commend these men and women in blue for their dedication and swift action in tracking down the suspects across provincial lines.”

He also urged victims of extortion to come forward.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of extortion to come forward and report it. The SAPS has specialised units in place to investigate these cases and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law,” he said.

The arrest of Sibanyoni is likely to send shockwaves through sections of the taxi industry in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, where powerful taxi bosses have long been accused of wielding significant influence in business and political circles.

For now, all eyes will be on the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court as the high-profile suspects prepare to make their first appearance.