Madlanga Commission: Sibanyoni Denies Involvement In Putco Bus Arson
Taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has denied any involvement in the torching of Putco buses in 2025, as he faces questions about his alleged attempts to secure a 30% local content stake in the bus company.
Sibanyoni was cross examined at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, where evidence leaders questioned a series of events involving him before and after the bus arson.
The commission heard that Sibanyoni had met with Putco representatives in 2023 as part of efforts to acquire a stake in the company. Evidence leaders also referred to a 2024 meeting between Sibanyoni and President Cyril Ramaphosa, during which Sibanyoni allegedly indicated that he could interfere with Putco’s operations.
The questioning also focused on developments following the torching of Putco buses in 2025.
A month after the arson, Taxi Choice, the business arm of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), made an unsolicited offer to acquire Putco.
Putco rejected the offer, describing the timing as “disturbingly calculated”.
Chief Evidence Leader Matthew Chaskalson SC put it to Sibanyoni that the events pointed to a coordinated effort to place pressure on Putco to sell the company to Taxi Choice.
Sibanyoni rejected the interpretation, maintaining that he had responded to the evidence and questions raised against him.
“I differ 100% with your findings,” Sibanyoni told the commission.
The commission is continuing to examine allegations surrounding Sibanyoni’s business interests, his relationship with the taxi industry and alleged links to organised crime.