Shibiri had more than R50k before taking loan from Matlala, Madlanga Commission told

Bank records of top cop Richard Shibiri show he had more than R50,000 in his bank account before taking a loan from alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

On Wednesday, Shibiri testified before the Madlanga Commission that in September 2024, he took a R70,000 loan from Matlala to fix his son’s damaged car.

Before taking the loan, Shibiri said he was aware of corruption allegations against Matlala and his tender with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Shibiri said he needed the loan.

“Certainly, in your account, what it shows is that you had the money to assist your son without a loan from Mr Matlala,” said the commission’s evidence leader, Thabang Pooe.

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Said Shibiri: “I decide how I want to use my money. It’s not about what you have there. I decided to say I wanted to make a wall and then I can get another money to do that because I know in December, I will get more than a R100k for my bonus.”

Shibiri added that he paid back the loan in December 2024.

The commission’s chairperson, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, questioned the timing of the repayment since it came after Matlala had his house raided by police twice in the same month.

Asked Madlanga: “You saw that the police were catching on to Mr Matlala, and you decided that money that had been paid to you, not as a loan, I suggest, you should now suddenly pay back to Mr Matlala so as to make it look like a loan. What do you say to that?”

Replied Shibiri: “I say that’s incorrect. If I wanted Matlala to give me money so that’s it not a loan, I would’ve preferred he give me cash so there wouldn’t be a trail.”