NJABULO NZIMANDE

BREAKING: NPA SECURES RESTRAINT ORDER OVER R99 MILLION IN ASSETS LINKED TO ALLEGED EXTORTION SYNDICATE A provisional restraint order over asets currently estimated at R99 million, linked to Joe Sibanyoni and others who are alleged to be involved in organised criminal activities, including extortion has been secured. BREAKTHROUGH BY: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), through its Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mpumalanga, in collaboration with the NPA’s Organised Crime Unit and the South African Police Service (SAPS). On 28 September 2026, the AFU obtained an uncapped provisional restraint order from the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Middelburg, in terms of section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA). The order emanates from ongoing investigations by SAPS into alleged criminal activities involving extortion and related offences linked to Sibanyoni and others. The restrained assets comprise movable and immovable property currently estimated at R99 million. The restraint order was obtained on the basis that the assets constitute realisable property and represent benefits allegedly derived from criminal activities. The assets include properties in exclusive golf estates in Centurion, as well as several houses and estate properties in Centurion and Pretoria. Luxury motor vehicles subject to the order include Ferraris, a Porsche, a Lexus, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and BMWs. The defendants are also required to surrender various bank accounts and investments to the curator appointed by the court. The restraint order advances one of the key objectives of POCA, namely to deprive persons of the proceeds and benefits of crime. Organised crime, in its various forms, poses a serious threat to South Africa’s economy and communities. If left unchecked, extortion and related criminal activities undermine legitimate businesses, discourage investment and impede economic growth. @eNCA