The National Prosecuting Authority has officially reinstated Prosecutor Mkhuseli Ntaba, concluding that his absence from a critical court appearance was justified by a verified threat against his life.
Ntaba had been placed on suspension after not appearing for the bail hearing of prominent taxi operator Joe “Ferrari” Sibanyoni and three co-accused, who are facing extortion and money laundering charges. The Kwaggafontein magistrate issued an arrest warrant following the prosecutor’s no-show, prompting the NPA’s ethics unit to launch a formal inquiry.
NPA Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the investigation substantiated Ntaba’s claim that he received a credible warning about his personal safety. According to Kganyago, while traveling to court on the day of the hearing, Ntaba was alerted by an individual affiliated with a law enforcement agency—who was monitoring security conditions related to the case—that he could be “eliminated” if he proceeded to appear.
“We undertook to verify all the facts,” Kganyago stated. “That verification has now been completed. The communication he received came from someone within a law enforcement structure assessing the security environment, and we are satisfied with the credibility of that information.”
The spokesperson further noted that Ntaba has maintained full cooperation with the internal investigation and that authorities determined there was no risk he would obstruct any ongoing processes. On this basis, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions in Mpumalanga, authorized the withdrawal of the suspension notice and Ntaba’s immediate return to active duty.
Kganyago also addressed broader implications for prosecutor safety protocols. He revealed that the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Mthembu, has formally requested that the Office of Ethics and Accountability incorporate recommendations regarding prosecutor security measures into its final report. This step aims to identify and rectify any systemic vulnerabilities to prevent similar situations in the future.
“While we examine whether any loopholes existed in this instance, it is essential we adopt a holistic view to strengthen protections across the board,” Kganyago explained.
Ntaba has resumed his professional responsibilities effective immediately. However, he will not be reassigned to the Sibanyoni matter, which has since been transferred to a different court and placed under the direction of new prosecutors and a new presiding magistrate.