Seven suspects face court over alleged extortion and kidnapping of bus operators
Seven suspects appeared in court on charges including racketeering and kidnapping in an alleged extortion network targeting long-distance bus operators.
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Seven suspects accused of being part of an alleged extortion network targeting long-distance bus operators across multiple provinces appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing serious organised crime charges including racketeering, kidnapping and money laundering.
Bonke Makalala, Simphiwe Matshala, Mzuvukile Mbiyo, Siyanda Dyanti, Gwendoline Mazele, Siphelele Kwaza and Simphiwe Gxumayo face charges including racketeering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, extortion and attempted extortion, intimidation, kidnapping, interference with essential infrastructure and money laundering. They also face charges under the Tax Administration Act, with more charges expected as the investigation continues.
The case was postponed to April 7 for bail information and confirmation of residential addresses in the Eastern Cape for three of the accused. The State indicated it will oppose bail.
Their court appearance follows a multi-year investigation by the Western Cape Taxi Violence Task Team into alleged coordinated criminal activity targeting long-distance bus operators between 2021 and 2023.
“The team took time in digging deep and confronting the types of crimes that are often concealed,” said SAPS spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk.
The State alleges the accused acted in concert as part of a structured criminal enterprise, systematically extorting money from bus companies through threats, intimidation and violence, according to the State. Operators were allegedly forced to make substantial payments in exchange for “protection” and the ability to operate without interference on licensed routes.
According to the State, the demands were enforced through coordinated acts of intimidation, including threats of violence and disruption of operations, and in some instances the unlawful detention of individuals.
Investigators further allege that several bus companies made payments under duress, supported by financial records and corroborating statements, with proceeds distributed among members of the group.
“The State alleges that the accused operated as part of a structured criminal enterprise, extracting money from long-distance bus operators through sustained intimidation, threats and violence,” said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
“We welcome the arrests and court appearances, and remain committed to addressing taxi-related violence and ensuring the safety of public transport operators and commuters.”
Investigators estimate the alleged criminal activities to be worth hundreds of millions of rands.
The case is the latest development in a long-running crisis affecting the country’s long-distance bus sector. One of the country’s largest operators, Intercape, has previously told Parliament it had opened more than 200 criminal cases linked to shootings, arson and intimidation, with limited success in securing prosecutions.
In earlier incidents, buses were shot at and routes blocked, while a driver was shot and killed in Cape Town.
The State further alleges that some of the accused were linked to taxi associations and operated within networks of criminal elements enforcing control over transport routes through intimidation and violence.
The National Prosecuting Authority said it welcomed the arrests and court appearances as the matter proceeds.