Overview
- The South African Police Service confirmed on Friday that Major General Richard Shibiri was dismissed after an internal disciplinary hearing found him guilty of misconduct and of bringing the service into disrepute.
- The Madlanga Commission heard allegations that Shibiri accepted between R70,000 and R80,000 from businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala and gave shifting explanations for the cash when questioned under oath.
- Investigators presented bank records showing available funds at the time and pointed to luxury-brand spending, while phone records were cited as showing Shibiri warned Matlala ahead of a December 2024 police raid.
- Witnesses told the commission that Shibiri tried to influence high-profile investigations, including the murder probe of engineer Armand Swart and a R300-million Aeroton drug bust, and pressured officers over bail and case handling.
- SAPS said the dismissal followed prescribed procedures and principles of fairness, and the case has prompted wider referrals from the Madlanga Commission and renewed questions about oversight and trust in the police service.