Questions raised at Madlanga Commission over payments to senior police officer

Concerns about corruption and ethics in South Africa’s law enforcement leadership have resurfaced following testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The inquiry heard questions about payments received by suspended SAPS organised crime component head Major General Richard Shibiri from businessman Cat Matlala, who is now a criminally accused person.

During proceedings, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga sharply reminded the senior officer of the responsibilities attached to his rank.

“You seem to forget something very important, General,” Madlanga said. “One, you are a police officer, and two, not just a police officer, but a very senior one… You are a general.”

Madlanga said the explanation offered by Shibiri – that there were no criminal charges against Matlala at the time – was not acceptable for someone in such a senior law enforcement position.

“That cannot lie in the mouth of a very senior police officer, a general,” he said.

Payments and ethical questions

The payments in question were reportedly linked to personal expenses, including repairs and other costs.

Shibiri argued that the money was borrowed from Matlala at a time when no charges had been brought against the businessman.

However, political analyst Sandile Swana, in an interview with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, said the circumstances raise serious questions about professional ethics within senior ranks of law enforcement.

Swana pointed to the timing of events, saying the payments appeared to follow soon after Shibiri received information about the case involving Matlala.

“It was quite close,” Swana said, suggesting the general may have been aware that legal trouble was looming for the businessman.

‘A business’ in senior positions

Swana said the situation highlights a broader concern about corruption in South Africa, particularly among senior officials entrusted with enforcing the law.

According to him, some officials may treat senior public positions as opportunities for personal gain.

“Some of these guys look at getting into a senior position as a business,” Swana said.

“In other words, once I’m in that position, I can sell the influence of that position and make money.”

Declining professional standards

Swana also warned that ethical standards in some professions appear to have weakened.

He said positions such as senior police officers were historically regarded as professional roles governed by strict ethical standards.

Now, he argued, the lines between law enforcement and criminal networks can appear blurred.

“You cannot distinguish between an organised crime leader, mafia and the police officer,” Swana said.

“In South Africa today, the whole thing is a mishmash.”

For more information, listen to Swana on 702’s Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa using the audio player below: