South African police chief dismissed over criminal ties

A senior South African police commander has been dismissed following findings of serious misconduct linked to a relationship with an alleged criminal syndicate figure. Major General Richard Shibiri, the former head of the South African Police Service (SAPS) organised crime unit, was fired after an internal disciplinary process found him guilty of bringing the organisation into disrepute.

The police service confirmed the dismissal, stating the proceedings were conducted in line with its regulations and principles of procedural fairness. The central finding involved Shibiri’s association with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently in prison awaiting trial on charges including kidnapping, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder.

The relationship was scrutinized by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where allegations surfaced that Shibiri accepted a payment of between R70,000 and R80,000 from Matlala. Shibiri testified the money was a loan to repair his son’s car, but financial records presented to the commission indicated he had sufficient funds in his account at the time. Commissioners, including chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, repeatedly...