Mpumalanga taxi boss Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni has declared that he will not press charges against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, the man accused of attempting to assassinate him, saying his faith in God prevents him from seeking revenge.
Sibanyoni, a well-known figure in the provincial taxi industry, survived what police described as a calculated attempt on his life earlier this year. Prosecutors have since linked Matlala, an alleged underworld figure with a long history of violent accusations, to both the attack on Sibanyoni and the high-profile 2022 Pretoria taxi shooting that left several commuters injured.
Speaking to local media, Sibanyoni insisted that his decision is rooted in his religious convictions. “I will not press charges because I believe in God’s justice. My faith tells me that vengeance belongs to the Lord. I am alive today because of His protection, and I will not dishonor that by seeking my own revenge,” he said.
The stance has drawn mixed reactions within the taxi industry and the wider community. Some supporters praised Sibanyoni for his strength and spiritual conviction, while others expressed concern that refusing to cooperate with law enforcement could embolden criminal syndicates operating in the sector.
Matlala, nicknamed “Cat,” has been repeatedly named in court documents and intelligence reports as a central figure in taxi-related violence across Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Despite this, he has often evaded convictions, either due to lack of evidence or witnesses withdrawing. His name resurfaced prominently in the ongoing Madlanga Commission, where allegations have been made about cartel-style networks influencing both the taxi industry and parts of law enforcement.
Legal experts argue that Sibanyoni’s refusal to press charges will make it harder for prosecutors to build a watertight case against Matlala, even with prior links to the 2022 Pretoria shooting. “Victim testimony is critical in these matters. Without it, the state’s case may weaken, allowing accused individuals to escape accountability yet again,” said a senior Johannesburg advocate who asked not to be named.
Community leaders in Mpumalanga have urged Sibanyoni to reconsider. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) also weighed in, stressing that while personal beliefs are respected, ongoing violence in the sector requires “collective action and cooperation with the law to ensure lasting peace.”
For now, Sibanyoni remains steadfast in his decision, insisting that divine justice will prevail where earthly courts may falter. “God has spared my life. That is enough for me. If Cat is guilty, he will answer to a higher court than this world can offer,” he said.
The case continues to expose the complex intersection of faith, violence, and fear that defines parts of South Africa’s troubled taxi industry.
