The head of South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Andy Mothibi, has launched an urgent internal investigation after a state prosecutor assigned to a high-profile extortion case failed to appear in court. The case involves taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and his co-accused, who are facing charges related to an alleged two million rand extortion scheme. The prosecutor reportedly skipped the scheduled court appearance after expressing deep fears for their personal safety, highlighting the growing danger of intimidation within the nation’s justice system.
According to preliminary reports, members of the prosecution team notified management that the assigned prosecutor felt unsafe just before the court session was set to begin. This sudden absence forced an unexpected halt to the proceedings, which were originally expected to advance the trial significantly. The case, overseen by the National Prosecuting Authority, centers on allegations that Sibanyoni and his associates orchestrated a lucrative extortion ring specifically targeting operators and business owners within the highly volatile transport and taxi industry.
[WATCH] "The Prosecutor Felt Unsafe"-NPA Boss Andy Mothibi Launch Investigation After He Was Informed That Prosecutor Who
Failed to Show Up in the R2 Million Extortion Case Against Taxi Boss Joe Sibanyoni and Co-Accused, Felt Unsafe pic.twitter.com/rzkGB1H9HX— THE TRUTH PANTHER 🇿🇦 (@TheTruthPanther) May 19, 2026
While the specific details of the alleged threats remain under investigation, sources close to the matter suggest that escalating intimidation played a direct role in the prosecutor’s decision to stay away from the courtroom. In response, Advocate Mothibi ordered a thorough fact-finding inquiry. The probe will examine whether proper security protocols were followed, evaluate the exact nature of the threats, and determine if there was a breakdown in protection measures between the various agencies responsible for safeguarding court officials.
The incident has caused widespread alarm among law enforcement and legal experts. Analysts warn that if prosecutors are seen as vulnerable to criminal threats, it could severely damage the state’s ability to dismantle organized crime networks. The situation also brings renewed attention to the broader issue of security for both witnesses and state officials in high-stakes criminal trials.
Because of the prosecutor’s absence, the trial has been delayed, creating an opportunity for the defense to argue that the ongoing postponements are unfair to the accused. To keep the trial on track, the prosecution is currently working on emergency measures, which may include assigning a new prosecutor to the docket and significantly increasing security arrangements. Extortion within the taxi industry has become an increasingly dangerous problem in South Africa, often tied to violent turf wars over routes and revenue, making the safety of those enforcing the law a critical priority.