Shibiri fired, nine other cops suspended over Matlala links

Former SAPS Head of Organised Crime, Richard Shiburi, has been dismissed following a disciplinary hearing.

Shiburi was found guilty of bringing the police service into disrepute over his alleged links to attempted murder accused, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The senior police officer also faces allegations of interfering in several high-profile investigations, including the murder case of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart and the R300 million drug bust in Aeroton in 2021.

The Madlanga Commission heard testimony that Shibiri allegedly borrowed R70 000 from Matlala.

He told the commission that the money was used to build a wall around his home and to erect a tombstone for his late father.

Evidence presented before the commission also included cellphone records allegedly indicating that Shibiri warned Matlala about a raid on his home in December 2024.

National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the disciplinary proceedings were conducted in line with SAPS prescripts and principles of procedural fairness.

“Major General Shiburi was found guilty of misconduct relating to conduct that brought the organisation into disrepute, including associating himself with a known criminal.”

Meanwhile, nine other police officials were suspended today in connection with Matlala’s controversial SAPS Medicare24 tender.

Authorities say the officers served as members of the Bid Evaluation Committee during the tender process.

Mathe says the officials have been suspended pending the finalisation of disciplinary and related investigations.

The Medicare24 saga has become central to allegations of deep-rooted corruption within the police service.

The alleged irregular awarding of the R360 million tender to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, has already led to the arrest of multiple senior police officials and intensified scrutiny over procurement processes within SAPS.

[SUSPENDED] The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms the suspension of Major General Busisiwe Precious Temba, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, Brigadier Alpheus Thembinkosi Ngema, Brigadier Patrick Nethengwe, Brigadier Kirsty Jonker, Brigadier Onica Ofentse Tlhoale, Colonel… pic.twitter.com/Iivo68wF3H

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) June 5, 2026