Suspended head of Organised Crime at the South African Police Service (SAPS), Richard Shibiri, testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, denying allegations of corruption. He stated that a R70,000 payment he received from suspected crime boss Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala was a personal loan intended to repair his son’s vehicle.
Key Takeaways
Suspended SAPS head Richard Shibiri denied corruption allegations at the Madlanga Commission, claiming a R70,000 payment from suspected crime boss Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala was a personal loan. Meanwhile, political tensions escalate as President Ramaphosa does not oppose Justice Sisi Khampepe's potential removal from the TRC inquiry, and the DA refuses to remove a controversial billboard featuring Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Shibiri maintained that the loan has since been repaid and characterized his relationship with Matlala as strictly social. He explained that the financial transaction occurred in 2024 after his son crashed his car, and insurance claim was rejected, placing him under significant financial distress.
According to Shibiri, Matlala offered a personal loan by depositing the money directly into his bank account. Despite the timing of this transaction coinciding with Matlala’s company being awarded a R360-million tender from SAPS, Shibiri denied any involvement in the procurement process or final outcome.
Shibiri also addressed allegations made by Musa Khawula, an entertainment blogger accused of extorting money from Matlala. He recounted that Matlala had contacted him about being subjected to attempted extortion and advised him to open a police case. Shibiri denied any communication or relationship with Khawula.
Shibiri attributed his suspension in February 2025 to misinformation rather than substantive evidence, stating he has a long service record of combating organized crime and criminal syndicates within SAPS.
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