By Johnathan Paoli
Suspended SAPS Organised Crime head Major-General Richard Shibiri on Friday claimed he was never aware that tenderpreneur and alleged underworld figure Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala was part of an alleged criminal network referred to as the “Big 5” cartel.
Appearing before the Madlanga Commission, Shibiri testified that despite knowing that deceased taxi boss Jotham Zanemvula “King Mswazi” Msibi and alleged criminal Katiso “KT” Molefe had been mentioned in information provided to him, Matlala’s alleged involvement in the group was not something he was aware of at the time.
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“I had information from a source that the same person was working with a group of five people and they had mining rights. But I was never aware that Vusimusi Matlala was part of the alleged group of five,” he said.
Shibiri’s testimony came under intense scrutiny during cross-examination about a recorded cellphone conversation with Witness A in December 2024, in which they appeared to refer to a powerful grouping of businessmen linked to mining interests and organised crime.
Despite the transcript of the call referencing a “group of five”, Shibiri insisted he never described the network as the “Big 5 cartel”.
“I don’t deny having the conversation about a ‘group of five who have other companies’. What I deny is talking about the ‘Big 5 cartel,” Shibiri said.
During questioning, he said the information about the alleged group came from an intelligence source and that he had only limited knowledge of who might have been involved.
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Evidence leader advocate Lee Segeels-Ncube challenged aspects of Shibiri’s explanation, suggesting that his testimony appeared inconsistent with the details captured in the transcript of the recorded conversation.
Commissioners also questioned why the head of organised crime could not identify the members of such a significant criminal grouping if intelligence about them had been circulating within law enforcement structures.
Commissioner Sesi Baloyi repeatedly asked Shibiri why he appeared reluctant to name the remaining individuals allegedly involved in the group.
Shibiri said his reluctance stemmed from the fact that he could not independently verify the information he had received from his source.
“I can’t name people when I don’t have proof,” he said.
He rejected suggestions that prominent figures such as taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and businessman Ze Nxumalo were part of the alleged group.
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According to Shibiri, he had been told that following the death of Mswazi that Sibanyoni assumed influence within the broader rivalry surrounding business interests linked to the alleged network.
However, he emphasised that this did not mean Sibanyoni formed part of the original group of five.
During the cross-examination, commissioners also questioned whether Shibiri’s reluctance to disclose names indicated the possible involvement of individuals connected to law enforcement structures.
Commissioner Sandile Khumalo suggested there appeared to be a specific name Shibiri was unwilling to mention.
Shibiri responded that he had become cautious after witnessing how dangerous it could be to implicate powerful figures without solid evidence.
“I’ve seen a lot. Whatever they find will happen without me around,” he said.
He told the commission he feared for his safety and had previously requested a threat risk assessment from the police.
“You have bodyguards, commissioner. I don’t, I even asked SAPS for a threat risk assessment and got nothing,”
Shibiri confirmed that the commission was now assisting with protective measures due to fears for his life.
The inquiry also heard that Shibiri had previous contact with businessman Steve Motsumi, who approached him in 2024 seeking help with an extortion matter.
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However, Shibiri insisted he had no knowledge of Motsumi having any links to the alleged group of five.
“I know Mr Motsumi as a businessman. He came to me because I deal with extortion matters. I don’t know if he has any relationship with the group of five,” he said.
Shibiri said he believed the only way to resolve the allegations was through a full-scale investigation by specialised authorities.
The commission continues.
