‘He Said I’m His Person’: Top Cop Accused of Tipping Off Alleged Crime Boss Matlala

The suspended head of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit faced stinging criticism at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday over allegations he tipped off alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala about a police raid.

Major-General Richard Shibiri testified that he owed Matlala R50,000 at the time of the raida balance from a R70,000 loan.

The Allegation

The commission heard that during a search and seizure operation at Matlala’s house on 6 December 2024, Matlala allegedly told police officers they could not touch him because he had the organised crime head on his side.

Shibiri said: “It angers me when he told people I am his person, meaning I can protect him from any wrongdoing. That is what makes me angry because that could never happen.”

He acknowledged the loan and the friendship, but downplayed its depth.

“He loaned me money, which I paid back. Yes, he is a friend. But he is not a friend with whom we go out every weekend or go to parties together.”

The Pressing

Co-commissioner Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC pressed Shibiri, suggesting he cannot blame Matlala for thinking he would get protection given their financial ties and Shibiri’s position.

“If I were him, I would not do that,” Shibiri insisted.

Baloyi asked if he agreed that someone with a complaint against Matlala might hesitate to approach him for help.

“Yes, other people can take it like that and say we can’t go to him if we want help because he once assisted me.”

The Debt

Co-commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC pointed out that Shibiri’s outstanding debthaving repaid only R20,000 of R70,000illustrated why people might be hesitant.

He added that there is a suspicion that either Shibiri or Sergeant Fannie Nkosi tipped off Matlala about the raid.

Shibiri said: “I know I won’t go anywhere with this one because it is there… I borrowed the money, not knowing whether he is being investigated or whatever. When I borrowed money, I didn’t know he was a subject of investigation.”

The Middleman

Nkosi, also known as Witness F, was revealed as a key figure during suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s testimony. Nkosi allegedly acted as a middleman between Sibiya and Matlalaa claim Sibiya denied.

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga allowed Nkosi’s identity to be revealed after it was inadvertently exposed during Sibiya’s testimony.

The Bottom Line

A top cop. A R70,000 loan from an alleged crime boss. A police raid that may have been tipped off. And a commission asking hard questions.

Shibiri says he’s angry Matlala claimed him. But the damageto his reputation, and to public trustis already done.

{Source: IOL}

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