SAPS fires Major-General Richard Shiburi after misconduct finding

The South African Police Service has dismissed Major-General Richard Shiburi, the former Component Head for Organised Crime, after internal disciplinary proceedings found he committed misconduct that brought the service into disrepute, the police confirmed on 5 June 2026.

Disciplinary finding and reason for dismissal

In a statement, SAPS said the disciplinary proceedings were carried out in line with applicable prescripts and principles of procedural fairness. Major-General Shiburi was found guilty of misconduct, including associating himself with a known criminal.

Evidence heard at the Madlanga Commission

Damaging testimony at the Madlanga Commission focused on alleged financial ties between Shiburi and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Evidence suggested that Shiburi accepted a payment of between R70,000 and R80,000 from Matlala.

Under cross-examination, Shiburi gave differing explanations for the payment, at times describing it as a private loan to repair his son’s vehicle or to fund construction work at his property. Those explanations were scrutinised after financial records reportedly showed he had sufficient funds in his bank account at the time. Investigators also pointed to spending patterns that included purchases from luxury brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton during the period in question.

Allegations of interference in police work

The commission heard allegations that Shiburi may have compromised active police investigations by providing Matlala with sensitive information. Witness testimony and phone records allegedly indicated that he warned Matlala ahead of a police raid at Matlala’s residence in December 2024 and supplied information that could have assisted efforts to counter ongoing investigations.

Additional evidence presented linked Shiburi to alleged interference in several high-profile matters, including the murder investigation of engineer Armand Swart and a separate R300 million drug bust in Aeroton. Witnesses claimed Shiburi attempted to influence investigative processes and pressured officers to withdraw opposition to bail applications.

Questions over testimony

The credibility of Shiburi’s testimony became a focal point during hearings. Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and fellow commissioners challenged inconsistencies in his evidence, accusing him of providing contradictory explanations under oath.

The SAPS statement confirmed the dismissal followed the conclusion of these internal disciplinary processes.