The head of Organised Crime, Richard Shibiri, has been dismissed from the South African Police Service. SAPS confirmed the termination followed disciplinary proceedings related to conduct deemed to have brought the service into disrepute.
The dismissal comes after the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing against Maj-Gen Shibiri and referred him for investigation. Key allegations levelled against him at the commission include:
1. R70,000 loan from Vusi “Cat” Matlala
Shibiri told the commission he borrowed R70,000 from attempted murder accused Vusi “Cat” Matlala in September 2024 to repair his son’s car. Commissioners challenged this, presenting bank records showing he had about R50,000 in his account and an overdraft facility of R44,000 at the time. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga put it to him that “you basically did not need Matlala’s money”. The loan was paid into his son’s account, which the commission said could be inferred was “so that the money could not be directly linked to Shibiri”. Bank records also showed he spent nearly R22,000 at Gucci and Louis Vuitton shortly after receiving the funds.
2. Suspected ties to underworld figures
Shibiri is accused of having ties with Matlala and is suspected to have been on his payroll. He denied the allegations and insisted he did not protect Matlala from any police probe. The commission also heard evidence that Shibiri called Matlala a week before Matlala was arrested for the attempted killing of his former partner, and that he attempted to help Matlala with the invoice of his SAPS tender. Call records showed about 16 calls exchanged with Matlala around the time police raided Matlala’s home.
3. Allegations of interference in investigations
Shibiri claimed officers were promised career advancement to submit statements that he tried to facilitate a bribe for investigators not to oppose bail in the killing of Armand Swart. He also denied discussing police operations with Matlala, though the commission questioned how a police raid on Matlala’s home would not have been mentioned. Commissioners further suggested that either Shibiri or Sgt Fannie Nkosi may have tipped off Matlala about the raid.
4. Refusal to name “Big Five” cartel member
Shibiri told the commission he knew three members of the so-called “Big Five” cartel, including its late leader Jotham “Mswazi” Msibi and Katiso “KT” Molefe, but declined to name a third member publicly citing safety. He said he was willing to reveal the name in-camera.
The commission has referred Shibiri, along with other SAPS officers, to the SAPS for investigations. President Ramaphosa has directed that law enforcement agencies act with speed to implement the commission’s recommendations.
SAPS said the dismissal takes effect immediately and forms part of its commitment to accountability and professional standards. Acting and permanent replacement arrangements for the Organised Crime unit have not yet been announced.
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