South Africa - Pretoria - 12 March 2026. Madlanga Commission of Inquiry witness Major-General Richard Shibiri testifies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The Madlanga Commission has challenged Richard Shibiri’s claim that he borrowed money from Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to cover expenses, after bank records showed he spent nearly R20,000 at Gucci and Louis Vuitton after receiving the funds.
Commission evidence revealed that around the time he received the funds, Shibiri spent R19,000 at Gucci and about R3,000 on Louis Vuitton sandals in Sandton — purchases that sharply contradicted his claim that he needed the money to cover urgent expenses.
Shibiri told the commission the R70,000 loan was meant to pay for repairs to his son’s vehicle after an insurance claim was rejected.
He said these luxury purchases came as a form gifts for his birthday celebration.
The repair bill was estimated at R55,000.
But commissioners questioned why he needed to borrow the money at all.
Bank statements presented during the hearing showed Shibiri had access to more than R90,000 at the time including about R47,000 in his account and a R44,000 overdraft facility.
Co-commissioner Sandile Khumalo pointed out that the available funds were sufficient to cover the repair costs without borrowing from Matlala.
The commission also scrutinised Shibiri’s repayment claims.
He testified that he repaid R20,000 in cash in November 2024 using proceeds from selling cattle at his rural homestead, followed by a R50,000 bank transfer in December.
However, financial records presented at the hearing showed he spent roughly the same amount at Gucci around the time he claimed to have made the cash repayment.
Under questioning, Shibiri insisted the loan was a private arrangement and denied any wrongdoing.
“I decided I wanted to use the money to build something, a wall at my house,” he said, explaining why the funds were not immediately used for the car repairs.
Shibiri maintained that the loan carried no conditions and that he never provided Matlala with any favours in his role as an SAPS member.
The commission is investigating alleged links between police officials and organised crime figures, including claims of interference and improper relationships involving Matlala.
The proceedings are underway.
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