Richard Shibiri Fired as Head of Organised Crime

Major-General Richard Shibiri, the suspended head of Organised Crime at the South African Police Service (SAPS), has been fired. Shibiri was suspended in 2025 in connection with allegations of criminal infiltration into the justice system following his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The commission, led by Judge Madlanga, has been investigating corruption and misconduct within the SAPS. Shibiri's dismissal was recommended by the disciplinary hearing for bringing the SAPS into disrepute by associating with Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, an alleged underworld figure facing charges including attempted murder and fraud. Shibiri received the dismissal letter on 22 May and will challenge this decision at the CCMA. His devices have also been returned by the Madlanga Commission Task Team. The SAPS has confirmed that nine police officers who served on the bid evaluation committee responsible for awarding Matlala's Medicare24 a R360-million contract have been suspended pending the finalisation of disciplinary and related investigations. The SAPS remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its operations. The Madlanga Commission is continuing to reshape the upper ranks of South Africa's law enforcement agencies. The latest development comes as the SAPS is under scrutiny for its handling of corruption cases, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency. The dismissal of Major-General Shibiri is seen as a significant step towards addressing these concerns. The SAPS has stated that it will not comment further on the matter at this stage.

The firing of Major-General Richard Shibiri marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Madlanga Commission's investigation into corruption and misconduct within the SAPS has been ongoing for several years, and the dismissal of Shibiri is seen as a major victory for those calling for greater accountability and transparency within the force. The SAPS has been under scrutiny for its handling of corruption cases, with many critics arguing that the force has been too slow to act against corrupt officials. The dismissal of Shibiri is seen as a significant step towards addressing these concerns and rebuilding trust in the SAPS. The SAPS has stated that it will continue to work towards maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its operations. The Madlanga Commission's work is expected to continue, with many calling for further action to be taken against corrupt officials within the SAPS. The latest development is seen as a major blow to the SAPS's efforts to combat corruption, and it remains to be seen how the force will respond to this latest challenge.