Suspended SAPS crime boss denies corruption, claims R70k payment from Matlala was a loan

The suspended head of Organised Crime at the South African Police Service (SAPS), Richard Shibiri, has testified that a R70,000 payment he received from suspected crime boss Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala was a personal loan intended to repair his son’s vehicle.

Appearing before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, Shibiri maintained that the loan has since been repaid in full.

One of the central allegations facing the suspended official is that he was "in the pockets" of suspected cartel leaders. Shibiri addressed his ties to Matlala directly, stating he has known him for many years but characterised their relationship as strictly social.

Shibiri explained that the financial transaction occurred in 2024 after his son crashed his car and the insurance claim was subsequently rejected.

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According to Shibiri, the repair costs placed him in significant financial distress, even leading him to consider selling his cattle to raise the necessary funds.

“Mr Matlala contacted me to inquire whether I had managed to raise the required funds, and I had informed him that I had not yet succeeded, that I was travelling to Limpopo at that time," Shibiri testified. "We then agreed he would advance me a personal loan by depositing the money directly into my bank account.”

At the time of the transaction, Matlala’s company had recently been awarded a R360-million tender from SAPS.

Despite the timing and the nature of the association, Shibiri told the Commission he played no role in the procurement process or the final outcome of that tender.