The long-distance bus company, Intercape, believes police have only just started to uncover years-long extortion in the industry, following the recent arrest of seven alleged extortionists.  

The woman and six men who were arrested in various parts of the country, including Cape Town, over the weekend, also face charges of intimidation and money laundering – for allegedly orchestrating illicit activities for financial gain in the long-distance transport industry.  

READ MORE:  Seven arrested in crackdown on long-distance bus service extortion – Smile 90.4FM

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that Bonke Makalala, Simphiwe Matshala, Mzuvukile Mbiyo, Siyanda Dyanti, Gwendoline Mazele, Siphelele Kwaza and Simphiwe Gxumayo appeared at Cape Town Magistrates Court on Monday. 

“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,” said Ntabazalila. 

The State alleges that the group, between 2021 and 2023, threatened bus operators and demanded payments in exchange for so-called protection.  

The case was postponed to 7 April 2026 for bail information; meanwhile, authorities say more charges could follow as investigations continue into what is believed to be a broader criminal enterprise. 

According to Daily Maverick, one of the accused, Makalala, was previously arrested in December 2023 on charges including murder and attempted murder and is linked to the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association. 

Intercape said its company has been affected by extortion for years, having reported 220 such cases since 2020. CEO Johann Ferreira, in a statement, also remembered the murder of one of its drivers, Bangikhaya Machana, outside an Intercape depot in Cape Town in 2022.  

READ MORE:  Intercape says it has recorded more than 80 attacks on its buses in 2022 alone – Smile 90.4FM

“Bus drivers have been shot at and stoned while driving through the Eastern Cape – the epicenter of the violence – as well as other provinces. Passengers have been forcibly removed from buses, harassed, threatened and assaulted by elements of the minibus taxi industry who believe they are above the law. These criminal acts have deprived citizens of their constitutional rights to freedom of movement and the right to choose their preferred mode of transport,” said Ferreira. 

The company further called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and other organs of the state to exercise the constitutional duties in this regard. Ferreira said he had written to the President on at least four occasions, as well as to the Ministers of Transport and Police, requesting intervention, but said there has been little to no movement in that regard. He most 

“Not a single one of these four letters have received a substantive response. Similarly, correspondence addressed to the offices of the Ministers of Police and Transport -including the incumbents Firoz Cachalia and Barbara Creecy – over several years requesting urgent meetings have gone unanswered.” 

While he welcomed the arrests, Ferreira said this “must serve as a catalyst for further action”. 

“The arrests of the seven suspects has opened a window into the dangerous and pervasive world of organised crime networks centred around the minibus taxi industry in South Africa. It can no longer be ignored or swept under the carpet.”