Shibiri says ‘misinformation’ led to his suspension from SAPS

Suspended head of organised crime at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Richard Shibiri said “misinformation” led to his suspension from the service and not substantive evidence.

Shibiri is currently being taken through his evidence-in-chief at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday.

Several witnesses who have testified before the commission have implicated Shibiri in a number of wrongdoings, including offering bribes to police detectives to make investigations go away and being in the pockets of suspected crime cartel bosses.

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Shibiri said since the explosive July press conference by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in 2025, he was moved from his position at organised crime to the gender-based violence (GBV) desk and later placed on precautionary suspension earlier in March.

“The misinformation and incorrect public impression that preceded these administrative steps materially contributed to this unfortunate situation in which I find myself being placed on suspension, notwithstanding long service record [Shibiri testified he been with SAPS for 38-years] and consistent effort to combat organised crime and criminal syndicates.

“I regret that misinformation and mischaracterisation placed into the public domain appears to have been contributed to this unfortunate situation,” he said.