Shibiri claims cops were offered promotions to implicate him
Suspended Head of Organised Crime, Richard Shibiri, told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday that some police officers may have been promised career advancement in exchange for testifying against him.
Shibiri has returned to the commission, where he is facing cross-examination about his relationship with alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
He has also been linked to murder accused Katiso “KT” Molefe.
Some detectives investigating the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart have accused Shibiri of attempting to interfere with the probe, in which Molefe is one of the accused.
READ MORE: Witness A details how Katiso Molefe was linked to Armand Swart’s murder
However, Shibiri now alleges that officers involved in the investigation may have been encouraged to implicate him in exchange for career advancement, and some have since been promoted.
“Police officers may have been approached and potentially induced with promises of career advancement or promotion in exchange for providing adverse information about me,” he told the commission.
He named Sergeant Daniel Motau, who indicated that he had been approached by individuals seeking information about Shibiri, and it was suggested that cooperation could lead to career advancement.
Shibiri also mentioned Witness A, who serves under him in the Organised Crime Unit at the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to supplementary statements, Witness A was promoted from sergeant to warrant officer after providing evidence at the commission.
“I do not begrudge any member of the SAPS a legitimate career progression. But in light of concerns already raised regarding the possibility that members may have been approached or encouraged to provide adverse information, the timing and circumstances surrounding such promotions may warrant careful examination.”
He stressed that his aim was not to cast aspersions on anyone but to ensure the commission had a full record to consider.
“I place these clarifications before the commission to assist in obtaining a complete and accurate factual record,” Shibiri said.
“My intention is to help the commission establish the truth regarding the matters under investigation.”
Shibiri continues his testimony after the lunch break.
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