Pictured here: Screenshot of alleged illicit grow op at Jack Frost Pharmaceuticals passed on to taxi boss Papa Joe Mnisi
Evidence put to the Madlanga Commission has exposed close ties between the now-deceased taxi boss, Jothan ‘Pappa Joe’ Mnisi and a SAHPRA registered cannabis grow op in Germiston, Jack Frost Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd.
“I can use my Congo guys, but I know your guys will create more fear in these people’
In a series of Whatsapp exchanges from 2021 and shown to the Commission on 18 August 2026, as person identified as ‘Sean’ appeals to the taxi boss to help him deal with policemen who appeared to have the Jack Frost facility under surveillance.
“Afternoon chief. I know you are dealing with a lot and this is minor rubbish, but if you get a chance please can you send two of your guys to Germiston for me. I will point out who needs to be spoken to. My grow team is still getting watched. I can use my Congo guys but I know your guys will create more fear in these people, thanks my brother”.
To which Msibi Whatsapps back: “Will deal with it. Please don’t worry”
‘Sean’ thanks him profusely and says his contact at Jack Frost is one ‘Zweli’.
Cannabiz Africa assumes that ‘Sean’ is one of the two public officers listed for Jack Frost’ Pharmaceuticals, Sean Mathew Barber. The other public officer is Mark Ari Alexandrou.
‘Sean’ sent taxi boss weekly photographic update of dagga plant growth progress
‘Sean’ sent Msibi a weekly photographic update on the cannabis plants, all being grown indoor under controlled lighting, faithfully recording the progress of his ‘dagga’ crop from early 2021.
At one point he messages Mnisi to say how fast the plants are growing (“15 cm in one day, bro”), before sending a video with a funky music soundtrack showing the whole indoor grow (probably about 100 sq metres) shortly before harvest, in June 2021, which evidence leader Chaskalson had to say was “somewhat spectacular.”
Video footage of harvest predates SAHPRA license
What became of the harvest is unknown. But what is known is that Jack Frost Pharmaceuticals only received a SAHPRA Section 22 (c) 1 license (82MC) on 19 September 2022, according to SAHPRA’s register. It records the responsible pharmacist as Ragha Ram Paturi and the registered address being in Germiston.
Chaskelson pointed out that as far as he was aware, SAHPRA’s license, issued in terms of Section 22 of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, was for cultivation and export only and did not cover the local market .
He said the evidence leaders would inquire further into Jack Frost’s activities.
Editors note: Cannabis pundits would know that Jack Frost is also a cannabis strain – a sativa-dominant hybrid bred from Jack Herer, White Widow and Northern Lights.
Msibi, Mazotti and Malema are connected
Msibi is also known to have a close relationship with cigarette manufacturer, Carnilinx and its controversial owner, Adriano Mazotti. Mazotti is a good friend of EFF leader Julius Malema, who’s debts to SARS he bankrolled. Mnisi also provided ‘protection services’ to Carnilinx.
The Commission heard evidence of how his intervention in a theft of Carnilinx cigarettes had the stock returned to the factory with abject apologies from ‘Ali’ on behalf of those responsible for the crime.
Carnilinx has admitted to the Commission that it had misled SARS but denied any further wrongdoing.
Cannabiz Africa is attempting to contact Jack Frost Pharmaceuticals and SAHPRA for comment.
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