South African Police Service Dismisses Organised Crime Unit Head After Misconduct Finding

The South African Police Service has dismissed Major General Richard Shibiri, former head of its organised crime unit, following a disciplinary hearing that found him guilty of misconduct and bringing the service into disrepute. The findings centred on Shibiri's relationship with businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala.

The Madlanga Commission heard allegations that Shibiri accepted a payment of between R70,000 and R80,000 from Matlala.

Shibiri offered shifting explanations for the money, describing it at different points as a loan to fix his son's car and as funding for construction work at his home. Financial records presented to the commission showed he had enough money in his account at the time to cover both expenses.

Investigators also pointed to spending on luxury brands including Gucci and Louis Vuitton during the same period.

The commission heard further allegations that Shibiri warned Matlala ahead of a police raid on his Pretoria home in December 2024 and passed information to help counter active investigations. Phone records were cited as evidence. Witnesses alleged he tried to influence the murder investigation of engineer Armand Swart and a separate R300-million drug bust in Aeroton, including pressuring officers to drop bail opposition.

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and fellow commissioners repeatedly challenged Shibiri's testimony and flagged contradictions in his answers under oath. He abandoned his bail application and is held at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre awaiting trial on charges including kidnapping, money laundering, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.

SAPS confirmed the dismissal was conducted in line with applicable prescripts and principles of procedural fairness.