Bus Mafia Case: 7 remain behind bars pending bail hearing
The group has been formally charged in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court.
Image: File
The seven suspects who allegedly tormented the long-distance bus sector made their first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Monday.
The group was arrested over the weekend in three different provinces and faces 125 charges, which include allegations of extortion, intimidation, and money laundering.
The suspects are: Bonke Makalala, Simphiwe Matshala, Mzuvukile Mbiyo, Siyanda Dyanti, Gwendoline Mazele, Siphelele Kwaza, and Simphiwe Gxumayo.
The group, aged between 35 and 62, was arrested in Cape Town, Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.
Police said their arrest follows four years of extensive 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 group 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 Western Cape spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Eric Ntabazalila, said 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,” Ntabazalila said.
The State believes that the group operated as 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 has confirmed it will be opposing bail for the group and pursuing prosecution in line with the seriousness of the offences.
The matter has been postponed until April 7, for bail information and confirmation of the address in the Eastern Cape for 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,” Ntabazalila said.
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