Joe Sibanyoni, co-accused walk free as case struck off roll


The case against prominent Mpumalanga businessman Joe Sibanyoni and his three co-accused has been struck off the roll in the Kwaggafontein Magistrate’s Court. The defense teams for Sibanyoni, Daniel Masilela, Phillimon Msiza and Oupa Sindane, argued that prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba should be found guilty of contempt of court after failing to appear despite being ordered to do so on Friday.

The four accused faced charges of extortion and money laundering.

 

Last Friday, prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba informed the court that he would not be available on Monday due to other court commitments. However, the magistrate ordered both Ntaba and the investigating officer to appear in court.

On Monday, the  defence attorneys for all four accused expressed frustration after Ntaba failed to present himself and subsequently applied for the matter to be struck off the roll.

They further requested that Ntaba be found guilty of contempt of court and face either imprisonment or a fine. The magistrate ruled that the matter be struck off the roll and indicated that she would authorise a warrant for Ntaba’s arrest.

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