WhatsApp Messages Expose Alleged Links Between Top Cop Richard Shibiri And Tender Tycoon Vusimuzi Matlala

The head of Organised Crime in South Africa, Major-General Richard Shibiri, is facing serious allegations of maintaining close ties with controversial tender businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is facing criminal charges.

These claims were brought to light by Witness B, a member of Gauteng Organised Crime, during her testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Thursday. Witness B revealed excerpts of WhatsApp messages exchanged between Major-General Shibiri and Matlala, which were reportedly found on Matlala’s seized cellphone.

According to the witness, the messages allegedly pointed to financial exchanges between the senior police official and the businessman linked to the Tembisa Hospital tender scandal. Although the messages were not shared publicly, they were submitted to the Commission’s chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, for examination.

Evidence Suggests Money Exchanges Between Richard Shibiri and Vusimuzi Matlala

The Evidence Leader, Advocate Thabang Pooe, confirmed that the WhatsApp messages had been compiled and officially handed over to the Commission. Major-General Shibiri’s name has surfaced several times this week in the inquiry, where he has been depicted as an officer with questionable integrity and motives in high-profile investigations.

Witness B, who testified partly in-camera, described the messages as crucial evidence for the inquiry. Advocate Pooe detailed the findings before the Commission, stating:

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“At a later stage she discovered in Mr Matlala’s phone that General Shibiri had constant communications and exchanges of money there, so we’ve also compiled those WhatsApp messages… to be attached to those set of papers.”

The inquiry continues as the commission delves deeper into the alleged ties between senior police officials and figures implicated in state corruption.

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