Dismissed organised-crime head defends wife’s qualifications, vows CCMA challenge

Major-General Richard Shibiri, the dismissed head of the organised-crime component, has defended his wife’s academic credentials after allegations circulated on social media and said he will challenge his dismissal at the CCMA.

Dismissal confirmed by SAPS

The South African Police Service confirmed on Friday that Shibiri had been dismissed after being found guilty of misconduct, including associating himself with a known criminal.

Allegations against Colonel Shibiri

Ian Cameron, chair of the National Assembly portfolio committee on police, posted on social media alleging that Colonel Shibiri held only a Standard 8/Grade 10 baseline, had used a fraudulent matric certificate for rank progression and was facing or had faced fraud and uttering proceedings related to those credentials. Cameron also said there were grievances about her promotion and that she was serving as head of detectives at Krugersdorp SAPS and sometimes acted as station commander.

Shibiri rejects the claims and threatens legal action

Shibiri described Cameron’s post as malicious and untrue, saying Cameron did not verify the allegations before publishing them. He said his wife has a matric certificate and a diploma in policing, that she applied for a post and “was the best candidate,” and that she “worked hard for her rank.”

Shibiri said the social-media posts had led to people calling his family criminals on platforms including X and Facebook. He warned he was willing to pursue legal action over what he called an attempt to smear his family.

Background and next steps

Shibiri joined the police force in 1988. He said he intends to challenge his dismissal at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

What remains unconfirmed

• The article notes allegations made by Cameron but does not provide independent verification of those claims.
• Details of any ongoing or concluded disciplinary or criminal proceedings against Colonel Shibiri beyond the social-media allegations are not provided.