LONG-DISTANCE BUS EXTORTERS APPEAR ON CHARGES OF EXTORTION, INTIMIDATION, KINDNAPPING AND MONEY LAUNDERING
BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR
Cape Town, South Africa; Bonke Makalala, Simphiwe Matshala, Mzuvukile Mbiyo, Siyanda Dyanti, Gwendoline Mazele, Siphelele Kwaza and Simphiwe Gxumayo appeared at Cape Town Magistrates Court today, charged with serious organised crime, including allegations of extortion, intimidation, and related offences targeting long-distance bus operators across multiple provinces.
Their arrest and appearance in court follow an investigation conducted by the Western Cape Taxi Violence Task Team, which identified a group of individuals linked to various taxi associations who allegedly acted in concert to extort money from long-distance bus companies through threats, intimidation, and violence.
The State alleges that, between 2021 and 2023, the accused demanded substantial payments from bus operators in exchange for ‘protection’ and the ability to operate without interference.
These demands were enforced through coordinated acts of intimidation, including threats of violence, disruption of operations, and, in certain instances, the unlawful detention of individuals.
The investigation further uncovered a pattern of payments made by several bus companies under duress, supported by financial records and corroborating statements. These payments were allegedly distributed among members of the group as part of an organised enterprise.
The seven accused are charged with, inter alia, racketeering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), multiple counts of extortion and attempted extortion, intimidation, kidnapping, interference with essential infrastructure, and money laundering.
They will also face charges under the Tax Administration Act, and more charges are likely to be added as the investigation continues.
The State alleges that the accused operated as part of a structured criminal enterprise with the common purpose of unlawfully extracting financial benefits from long-distance bus operators through sustained and coordinated criminal conduct, which includes intimidation, violence and attacks on long-distance buses by criminal elements within the taxi industry.
The State will oppose bail and pursue prosecution in line with the seriousness of the offences. Their case has been postponed until 07 April 2026 for bail information and confirmation of residence in the Eastern Cape of three of the seven accused. The NPA welcomes their arrests and court appearances as authorities remain committed to addressing taxi-related violence and ensuring the safety of public transport operators and commuters.
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