Shibiri refuses to name 'big five' cartel member over fear for his life
Suspended head of organised crime at the South African Police Service, Richard Shibiri, told the Madlanga Commission he fears naming members of the so-called “Big Five” due to fear for his life.
Shibiri concluded four days of marathon testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Friday.
Much of the week was spent defending the R70,000 he received from alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, which he insists was a loan.
The senior police officer also faced tough questions from commissioners about how the police can combat organised crime if senior officers admit to being afraid of criminals.
The commission pressed him to reveal the remaining names, but Shibiri refused, saying he feared for his safety.
"Even now, speaking about this publicly is not easy. It takes courage because if you have information about certain things, it can place you at risk,” Shibiri told the commission.
He says that when he referred to the “big five” during a phone call with Witness A, he was not talking about an alleged criminal cartel.
The major-general now claims that he was referring to five business partners who allegedly share interests in mining and other companies.
Shibiri said the group includes murder-accused Katiso 'KT' Molefe and Mswazi Msibi, but he refused to name a third individual he knows, saying doing so would risk his life.
He also said he does not know the identities of the other two members.
"Actually, I did not want any names to be mentioned. That was my wish, but it did not happen. Perhaps I need to pray more. I did not want any names mentioned at all,” he told the commission.
Madlanga expresses concern over fear among top police officers
Commission chair, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has expressed deep concern that two senior police generals are afraid to mention the names of suspected dangerous criminals before the inquiry.
This comes after Shibiri refused to mention the name of an individual in an audio recording submitted as evidence.
Madlanga noted that this marks the second instance of a general hesitating to identify individuals allegedly involved in crime, the first being KZN Hawks head Lesetja Senona.
"While I acknowledge that General Shibiri is human and has the right to fear, the critical question is: who will then confront these criminals?” Madlanga said.
R70,000 Loan from Matlala under scrutiny
Much of Shibiri’s four days of testimony focused on defending the R70,000 he received from alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, which he insists was a loan.
He said he borrowed the money to help his son repair a car, but the commission revealed bank records showing that the officer and his son had over R100,000 available at the time.
"The money in my accounts was set aside for renovations at my home and the installation of a tombstone,” Shibiri explained.
Justice Madlanga remained unconvinced.
"It appears that General Shibiri is offering explanations to make it seem like he needed the money, which further suggests the payment could not have been a genuine loan,” he said.
Knowledge of Matlala’s crimes
Shibiri admitted that he knew Matlala was implicated in the looting at Tembisa Hospital and the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran when he accepted the money.
"I am prepared to face the consequences for accepting money from Matlala,” Shibiri told the commission.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Sandile Khumalo expressed concern that Shibiri does not appear troubled by his close relationship with individuals linked to criminal syndicates.
The commission's proceedings resume on Monday, with Witness F expected to continue his testimony.
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