SAPS head of organised crime Richard Shibiri axed

Richard Shibiri was found guilty of misconduct that brought the SAPS into disrepute, including associating with known criminal Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Photo: Screenshot from proceedings

The head of organised crime at the South African Police Service (SAPS), Major General Richard Shibiri, has been dismissed after a scathing appearance at the Madlanga commission of inquiry and subsequently, an internal disciplinary hearing.

In a statement, the police said Shibiri was found guilty of misconduct that brought the organisation into disrepute, including associating with known criminal, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

“The SAPS can confirm the dismissal of Major General Richard Shibiri, the former component head for organised crime, following the conclusion of internal disciplinary processes.”

Shibiri was among numerous SAPS officials referred for investigation in the Madlanga commission’s interim report. Fourteen senior SAPS and Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality officials were referred for investigation after being implicated in the report.