‘It Was A Loan’: Richard Shibiri Denies Cat Matlala Bribe Claims At Madlanga Inquiry

Suspended national head of the South African Police Service’s organised crime division, Richard Shibiri, has denied receiving a bribe from murder accused Vusimusi Matlala, telling the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the money in question was a personal loan that he has already repaid.

Shibiri testified that the funds were provided after his son was involved in a car accident in September 2024 and he could not afford the repair costs.

Richard Shibiri Says Loan Was Used Only for Vehicle Repairs

According to Shibiri, he met Matlala through a late friend during a thanksgiving event and mentioned that he was struggling to pay for the repairs.

“About four days later Mr Matlala phoned me to enquire if I had been able to raise the required funds; I informed [him] that I had not succeeded. Then we agreed he would advance me a personal loan, which he deposited directly into my son’s bank account.”

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He told the commission that the agreement was that the loan would be repaid once he received his bonus in December 2024.

“I confirm that the funds were used only for the vehicle repairs and were not connected in any way to my official duties or any operational matter. The loan has since been paid back in full through my earnings, proceeds derived from my livestock and savings.”

Shibiri said he had submitted proof of the purchase of vehicle parts to the commission and confirmed that he repaid Matlala in two instalments — R20,000 in November 2024 and R50,000 in December.

Richard Shibiri Rejects ‘Three Envelopes’ Bribery Allegations

The inquiry is also examining allegations that Shibiri interfered in an investigation linked to the murder of Armand Swart.

It has been alleged that after the arrest of Michael Tau, Shibiri called investigating officers to his office and asked them not to oppose Tau’s bail application.

The allegation further claims he mentioned three envelopes intended for the investigators, the prosecutor and the magistrate.

However, Shibiri rejected the claims and said he had actually warned investigators about possible bribery attempts. “I expressly cautioned the investigators not to accept a bribe.

“I informed [them] that even if they are offered money, accepting such money would not eliminate the risk to their lives. I emphasised that the offence which they were investigating falls under the serious schedule six, and bail will be formal and rigorous.”

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He added: “The allegation that I orchestrated or promoted [the] ‘three envelopes’ strategy is false and constitutes a distortion of [a] protective operational briefing. The intelligence was conveyed for the purpose of safeguarding intelligence and preserving the integrity of the investigation.”

Shibiri also addressed his recent suspension from the police service, claiming it was the result of misinformation and incorrect public perceptions surrounding the case.

He told the commission that the circumstances leading to his suspension were based on “misinformation and incorrect public impressions”.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to hear testimony related to the allegations.