I never knew Matlala was part of Big 5, Shibiri tells commission

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