The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the dismissal of Major General Richard Shibiri, the former national head of Organised Crime, following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings.
In a statement issued on Friday, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the disciplinary process was conducted in accordance with SAPS regulations 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,” Mathe said.
The dismissal brings an end to a tumultuous period for one of the country’s most senior crime-fighting officials, who had been suspended while facing allegations linked to his relationship with controversial businessman and alleged organised crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Shibiri was previously responsible for leading SAPS’ Organised Crime component, a unit tasked with combating criminal syndicates, extortion networks, kidnappings and other serious organised crimes. His suspension and subsequent disciplinary proceedings followed explosive allegations that emerged before the judicial commission of inquiry chaired by Mbuyiseli Madlanga, which is investigating allegations of criminal infiltration within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
During his testimony before the commission earlier this year, Shibiri admitted receiving R70,000 from Matlala, whom authorities have linked to organised crime activities. However, he insisted the money was a personal loan intended to help repair his son’s vehicle and denied that it was a bribe or payment for favours. He told the commission that he had subsequently repaid the money in full.
The commission heard evidence suggesting that Shibiri maintained contact with Matlala during periods when the businessman was allegedly under investigation. Evidence leaders also questioned discrepancies between Shibiri’s testimony and cellphone records, which indicated numerous communications between the pair.
Several witnesses appearing before the commission accused Shibiri of misconduct, including allegedly leaking sensitive information, interfering in investigations and attempting to influence police officers involved in high-profile cases. Shibiri consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that he had acted lawfully throughout his career.
His name featured prominently in hearings examining allegations that organised crime syndicates had infiltrated parts of the criminal justice system. Witnesses alleged that Matlala enjoyed access to senior police officials and that information regarding investigations may have been compromised. Shibiri rejected claims that he knowingly assisted criminal elements and told the commission that he was unaware that Matlala was allegedly involved in organised crime when their relationship began.
The commission also examined claims that Shibiri may have tipped off individuals about law enforcement operations and maintained inappropriate relationships with persons linked to criminal networks. He denied the accusations and argued that some allegations against him were based on speculation rather than evidence.
Friday’s announcement marks a significant development in SAPS’ efforts to restore public confidence amid ongoing concerns about corruption and criminal infiltration within law enforcement structures.
SAPS has not indicated whether further action could follow the disciplinary outcome, but Shibiri’s dismissal removes one of the most senior officers implicated in allegations that have dominated proceedings at the Madlanga Commission over the past year.
Shibiri’s dismissal comes amid heightened scrutiny of senior law enforcement officials following KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive media briefing on 6 July 2025. During the briefing, Mkhwanazi made a series of allegations linking senior police officers, politicians and members of organised crime syndicates, claims that intensified calls for accountability within the criminal justice system and renewed public concern about alleged criminal infiltration of state institutions.
The commission’s work continues as investigators seek to uncover the extent of alleged links between organised crime syndicates and members of the country’s law enforcement agencies.
