SAPS Fires Major General Richard Shibiri Following Misconduct Finding

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the dismissal of Major General Richard Shibiri, the former Component Head for Organised Crime, following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings.

In a statement, SAPS said the disciplinary process was conducted in line with organisational procedures and principles of fairness.

The police service said the outcome resulted in Shibiri’s removal from the organisation after he was found guilty of misconduct.

Richard Shibiri Dismissed After SAPS Disciplinary Hearing

According to SAPS, the disciplinary process found that Richard Shibiri’s conduct had damaged the reputation of the police service.

“The disciplinary proceedings were conducted in accordance with applicable SAPS prescripts and principles of procedural fairness.

“Major General Shibiri was found guilty of misconduct relating to conduct that brought the organisation into disrepute, including associating himself with a known criminal.”

The dismissal follows months of scrutiny surrounding allegations raised during proceedings before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Madlanga Commission Heard Evidence Linking Richard Shibiri To Vusimuzi Matlala

A significant portion of the evidence presented before the commission focused on allegations involving financial dealings between Shibiri and controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Testimony before the commission suggested that Shibiri received a payment of between R70,000 and R80,000 from Matlala, who has repeatedly been linked to organised crime allegations.

During questioning, Shibiri reportedly provided different explanations regarding the payment. He variously described the money as a private loan intended to assist with repairs to his son’s vehicle or to cover construction-related expenses at his property.

These explanations came under further examination after financial records allegedly indicated that Shibiri had adequate funds in his bank account at the time the payment was made.

Investigators also highlighted spending patterns that reportedly included purchases from luxury brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton during the same period.

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The commission further heard allegations that Shibiri may have shared sensitive information with Matlala relating to ongoing police investigations.

Evidence presented included witness testimony and cellphone records that allegedly showed Shibiri warning Matlala about a police operation at his residence in December 2024 and providing information that could have assisted him in responding to investigative actions.

 Accused Of Interfering In High-Profile Criminal Cases

The commission also examined allegations that Shibiri interfered in several major criminal investigations.

Among the matters raised were the murder investigation involving engineer Armand Swart and a separate R300 million drug bust in Aeroton.

Witnesses claimed that Shibiri sought to influence the direction of investigations and placed pressure on officers involved in the cases to withdraw objections to bail applications.

His credibility also came under sustained scrutiny during the inquiry.

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and other commissioners repeatedly questioned inconsistencies in Shibiri’s testimony, accusing him of providing conflicting versions of events while under oath.

The dismissal marks the end of Shibiri’s tenure with SAPS as investigations and inquiries linked to the allegations continue to attract public attention.