SAPS Official Admits Knowledge of Allegations Before Taking Payment

Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) official Richard Shibiri has admitted under cross-examination at the Madlanga Commission that he knew about criminal allegations against Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala before accepting a R70,000 payment from him. This admission contradicts his earlier testimony where he claimed to only know Matlala as a businessman.

WhatsApp records presented during the commission's proceedings show that on September 17, Matlala texted Shibiri about allegations made against him by entertainment blogger Musa Khawula. The following day, Shibiri accepted the R70,000 from Matlala. Despite admitting prior knowledge of the allegations, Shibiri maintains he did nothing wrong.

Bank records revealed during the commission's proceedings show that Shibiri had more than R50,000 in his bank account before taking the loan from Matlala. This raises questions about his need for the funds. The commission’s evidence leader, Thabang Pooe, pointed out that Shibiri had sufficient funds to assist his son without needing a loan from Matlala.

Days after receiving the alleged loan, Shibiri went on a spending spree in Sandton, purchasing Gucci sneakers worth R19,500 and Louis Vuitton sandals for R17,000. This contradicts his claim that he needed the money to repair his son's car. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo highlighted that Shibiri had substantial amounts in his bank accounts during this period, questioning the necessity of the loan.

Shibiri responded by saying he decided how to use his money and planned to receive more funds in December for his bonus. He added that he repaid the loan in December 2024. However, the commission’s chairperson, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, questioned the timing of the repayment, suggesting it might have been an attempt to make the payment look like a legitimate loan after police raids on Matlala's house.

Justice Madlanga sharply reminded Shibiri of his responsibilities as a senior officer. 'You seem to forget something very important, General,' he said. 'One, you are a police officer, and two, not just a police officer, but a very senior one.'

In another development, Shibiri denied discussing SAPS operations with Matlala despite frequent contacts between the two. Evidence shows multiple calls between Shibiri and Matlala, including one just a week before Matlala's arrest. The last call was recorded on May 9, which Shibiri conceded under questioning.

Evidence leader Thabang Pooe revealed that Shibiri called Matlala several times from December 31, 2024, to January 7, 2025, and continued calling him until May 2025. This contradicts Shibiri's claim of having minimal conversations with Matlala and not recalling making calls to him. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi expressed her struggle to understand how Shibiri could claim minimal conversations with Matlala while evidence shows frequent communication.

The commission is investigating allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system, and further hearings are expected to delve deeper into the nature and duration of the calls between Shibiri and Matlala. Minutes before Thursday’s proceedings ended, Shibiri sought to block the commission from playing a recording of a telephone conversation between himself and Witness A, citing safety reasons. However, the recording was later played.

In the audio recording, Shibiri tells Witness A that he had been invited to a farm to celebrate (suspended deputy national commissioner for crime detection) Shadrack Sibiya’s birthday and that Sibiya was going to ask him about the arrest of Katiso 'KT' Molefe. Shibiri further says he knows Sibiya wanted information on Molefe's arrest for 'the other side' and not national commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola.

Political analyst Sandile Swana, in an interview with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, said the circumstances raise serious questions about professional ethics within senior ranks of law enforcement. He pointed to the timing of events, suggesting Shibiri may have been aware that legal trouble was looming for Matlala.

Swana also warned that ethical standards in some professions appear to have weakened, stating that positions such as senior police officers were historically regarded as professional roles governed by strict ethical standards. He argued that the lines between law enforcement and criminal networks can appear blurred in South Africa today.