Suspended top cop admits prior knowledge of allegations against Matlala

In a change of tune under intense cross-examination, suspended top cop Richard Shibiri has now admitted he knew about criminal allegations against Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala before accepting a R70,000payment from him.

He claims the money was a loan to fix his son’s car, which he has since paid back to Matlala.

Shibiri was testifying before the Madlanga Commission regarding allegations that he was in Matlala’s pocket.

Throughout his testimony, Shibiri had maintained he only knew Matlala as a businessman. Shibiri had also testified he would never have accepted the money if he knew Matlala was involved, or suspected to be part of criminal networks.

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However, WhatsApp records show that on 17 September, Matlala texted Shibiri about allegations made against him by entertainment blogger Musa Khawula. A day later, Shibiri accepted the R70,000 from Matlala.

Sandile Khumalo (Co-commissioner) “When you accepted a loan from Mr Matlala, you knew about the allegations against him of being involved in fraud, possibly murder and various other things. On your own version as it appears in your statement, that’s the case.”

RS: “Even if the chair (Mbuyiseli Madlanga) didn’t say that we were talking about profiling, I take it, yes.”

SK: “The chair’s point stands that when you accepted a loan from Mr Matlala, remember the chair asked a simple question; would you accept a loan from somebody who is accused of a crime.”

MM: “And you said you wouldn’t.”

RS: “Yes.”

SK: “But here you did.”

RS: “Yes.”

Despite that, Shibiri maintains he did nothing wrong.