After harassment by General Khan, Chief Mashaba called Provincial Commander General Mawela who chaired a meeting and was advised to talk to General Mthombeni; General Mthombeni said they were busy and advised speaking to Brigadier Shibiri.
“After the harassment of General Khan, I called PC, General Mawela, and PC said to me he is chairing a meeting, I must talk to General Mthombeni. After I spoke to General Mthombeni through PC's phone, General Mthombeni said, hey, we are busy, just talk to Brigadier Shibiri and maybe she will come and assist you guys there.”
Chief Mashaba spoke to General Mawela who gave the phone to General Mthombeni; General Mthombeni told him to talk to Brigadier Shibiri who would come and check the situation but Brigadier Shibiri never arrived on the scene.
“I spoke to General Mawela. General Mawela gave, he said, I am chairing a meeting. He gave the phone to General Mthombeni. General Mthombeni said, what is the problem? I said, we are having a problem here, there is a general here, Khan, he is harassing us. He said, what is the problem? I said, we were following on information of drugs, of a truck carrying drugs. Well, he said to me, okay, let me, we are busy, let me give you Shibiri, talk to Shibiri, on one phone, General Mawela's phone. Then I spoke to Shibiri. Shibiri said, okay, where are you guys? I said, we are in Aeroton. Then they said, General Mthombeni said Shibiri will come there and check what is happening and assist where possible. I did not see him. He did not come.”
Brigadier Shibiri acted as contact between Chief Mashaba and the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to deal with the drug trafficking matter.
“The Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner Brigadier Shibiri gave me a feedback that he spoke to the Gauteng Police Traffic official referred to as Mashaba that the matter to be dealt with by the Directorate of Crime, the DPCI, known as the Hawks ... Brigadier Shibiri further indicated that he will liaise with the DPCI Provincial Head, Major General Kadwa, to deal with the matter”
Brigadier Shibiri said he had a conversation with Mashaba regarding drug trafficking information at Aeroton and being accosted by members of SAPS Crime Intelligence and Hawks who wanted to arrest them.
“He said that he had a conversation with Mashaba, relating to the following upon information about drug trafficking at Aeroton and they were accosted by a member of SAPS Crime Intelligence, Hawks, and want to arrest them”
A call was made to Lt-Col Sebola from an arrested person named Mashaba who wanted to speak to Brigadier Shibiri about an amicable solution; Sebola stated the arrested were under arrest and no such solution was possible.
“Mashaba, who is one of the arrested persons, made a call on his cell phone and he wanted me to speak to the person he was calling. And that person introduced himself to me as Brigadier Shibiri... wanted to know if there cannot be any amicable solution... And I said they are under arrest...”
Brigadier Shibiri phoned Lt-Col Sebola at the scene and ordered arrests to be made, following a call from Mashaba to General Kadwa, who was then called himself due to the dropped call.
“He said, no, he also phoned me. He wanted to know. Because when he was calling me... General Kadwa was said, he received... if the telephone, the cellphone records could state, it will show that it was Mashaba and then General Kadwa. Because he did not call me on my phone. He was phoned by Mashaba. After dropping the call, then he called General Kadwa... and when I was presenting on what looked suspicious.”
After winning a case at SSSBC, the speaker reported for duty and was told by Lieutenant Colonel Chauke to report to the Organised Crime Unit under Major General Shibiri, but was later told by Major General Shibiri that Major General Motsepe did not want the speaker to report back to her component, contrary to the award stating the speaker should be reinstated with the same terms and conditions as before dismissal.
“After winning my case at SSSBC, when I first reported for duty, Lieutenant Colonel Chauke informed me that management has decided I should report to the Organised Crime Unit under Major General Shibiri. When I asked who he refers to as management, he said the Component Heads, meaning Major General Motsepe and Major General Shibiri. I went and reported at the Organised Crime Unit and I was told by Major General Shibiri that Major General Motsepe said to him that she does not want me to report back at her component. That is when he agreed that I can come back with him at the Organised Crime Unit. There was no consultation and the decision went against the award which stated I should be reinstated with the same terms and conditions as before my dismissal.”
General Shibiri introduced Sergeant Nkosi to an informant who had information about kidnappers and illicit cigarettes sourced from Zimbabwe.
“He informed me that this one has got information of the kidnappers. That was according to General Shibiri. And he also got the information about the illicit cigarettes that had been sourced from Zimbabwe”
Sergeant Nkosi conducted verification operations in Limpopo and Centurion related to addresses connected to kidnappers and illicit cigarettes, and reported findings to General Shibiri.
“The first operation was in Limpopo. ... I took the photo to General Shibiri ... I went to another address again in Centurion, I took picture, location, send to General Shibiri”
Sergeant Nkosi wrote down and photographed an address given by the informant where people were being held against their will, and sent it to General Shibiri.
“I wrote it on a diary, and I took the same picture and sent it to the General”
General Shibiri briefed Sergeant Nkosi about the informant and the addresses that the informant would point out, alleging irregularities at those addresses.
“General Shibiri briefed me first in the presence of the informant, that this informant is going to show you the said addresses that he alleges that there is irregularity there”
Sergeant Nkosi asserts that he was introduced to the informant by General Shibiri and insists his version of the dates and meetings with the informant is accurate, denying any deceitful intent.
“I still stick to my gut when I say the said informant was introduced to me by General Shibiri ... I still put it to the Commission that what I say is what transpired ... I did discuss it with General Shibiri because he is the one that we introduced to meet this person.”
Sergeant Nkosi informed General Shibiri about the informant leaking SAPS personnel information but took no further steps against the informant.
“I informed the matter to General Shibiri...Did you take any steps against this informant? No...Because I referred the matter back to General Shibiri...I was expecting such to be done by him...he said to me he would make a follow-up.”
Sergeant Nkosi gave the address only to General Shibiri and possibly no one else, consulting with General Shibiri at his office and likely sending it via WhatsApp or otherwise.
“the only person you gave this address to was General Shibiri ... I went and consulted with him at his office ... I must have WhatsApp this picture to General Shibiri ... I might have sent it to him ... Usually when I talk, I also send it.”
The picture of the address was not sent to General Shibiri via WhatsApp as there was no WhatsApp trace of it on Nkosi's phone but was sent by some other means such as calls, though Nkosi stands by having sent it.
“this address was not WhatsApp'd to anybody ... It is saved on your phone. It is a picture taken by you, but it is not linked to any WhatsApp ... We use WhatsApp. We use calls ... I stand by my statement. I did ... I might have.”
Sergeant Nkosi sent General Shibiri the informant's information to ask him to make a follow-up as the informant refused to reveal particulars of those who gave him the information.
“I wanted him to make a follow-up ... because the informant refused to tell me about the particulars of those people who were giving him information. That is the reason I was referring the matter to General Shibiri, with the mind that the informant might have maybe a better comfort with him to tell him who are those people who gave him such.”
Sergeant Nkosi's statement mentions his relationship with Jothan Msibi, Vusi Cat Matlala, Katiso Molefe, General Sibiya, and General Shibiri but does not implicate any person in criminal wrongdoing.
“In his witness statement, Sergeant Nkosi deals with his relationship with Mr Jothan Msibi, Mr Matlala, Mr Katiso Molefe, General Sibiya, and General Shibiri. He does not implicate any of them or any other persons in criminal activity or wrongdoing.”
Sergeant Nkosi forwarded screenshots to General Shibiri because Mr Matlala had an issue with payment from SAPS and was discussing the issue with General Shibiri and General Sibiya.
“Mr Matlala had an issue with the payment from SAPS and this was one of the reasons I have sent it to General Shibiri, because I know for a fact he was talking about same with General Shibiri and General Sibiya”
General Shibiri had an interest in payment matters related to Mr Matlala because of complaints received, despite not being directly responsible for payments.
“General Shibiri had an interest... it was based on the complaint from Mr Matlala, the same complaint that he informed... Cat phoned me and told me that they are giving him problems with his payment”
Sergeant Nkosi forwarded messages concerning the internal audit and journalist inquiry about Mr Matlala's contract termination to General Shibiri due to Matlala's complaints to him.
“I think my answer still goes back to that one that I said earlier , that maybe because Mr Matlala was also complaining to General Shibiri , that is why I felt that I should send it to General Shibiri .”
Sergeant Nkosi forwarded the complaints about Mr Matlala's contract termination to General Shibiri but not to General Fannie due to lack of contact info.
Sergeant Nkosi forwarded payment WhatsApp messages to General Shibiri due to an enquiry for assistance made to General Shibiri.
“To General Shibiri is because you knew that there had been an enquiry to him for assistance. In fact, there had been an approach to him for assistance. That is correct.”
General Shibiri has an interest in Mr Matlala keeping the contract at SAPS or what is happening with the contract, suggesting involvement beyond payment.
“General Shibiri would have an interest in Mr Matlala keeping that contract at the SAPS or what is happening with the contract”
Sharing information with General Shibiri about media inquiries relating to SAPS contract is unusual and suggests deeper involvement and interest in the contract.
“it suggests to me that you were sharing this information with General Shibiri because you know that there is a deeper involvement or interest between General Shibiri and Mr Matlala, not just a random, oh, I am not getting paid, help me out”
Sergeant Nkosi habitually shares all information he comes across with General Shibiri, regardless of relevance or knowledge of personal interest of Shibiri.
“With General Shibiri ... I share everything that I come across, whether it is relevant to him or not... And any other than sharing information, he never mentioned to me that he has got maybe personal interest in coming to benefit in Mr Matlala's contract”
Sergeant Nkosi forwarded information about inquiries from the media regarding the SAPS contract to General Shibiri because Catal complained to him about payment issues.
“on the basis that Catal also complained to him about the payment. So that is why now the information about Cat, I also forwarded to him”
Lt-Gen Shibiri indicated that initially he referred to the 'other side' as the faction of General Sibiya and expressed difficulty identifying members of this faction.
“I was referring to General Sibiya and his faction”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admitted that he was pressured to mention names but chose not to do so due to lack of concrete evidence against those allegedly on General Sibiya's side, including himself.
“I was pressed to say I must mention names ... I did not have concrete evidence against any of those people who might be perceived to be on his side. I even included myself, that sometimes I was considered to be on his side.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri stated that the reason for reporting to 'the family' was that they were the ones who called General Sibiya complaining about not knowing the detention status of Mr. Molefe.
“They are the ones who phoned him... they wanted to know where, they were complaining about not knowing where he is detained.”
The Chairperson challenged Lt-Gen Shibiri's change of reference from 'the other faction' to 'the family' as inconsistent and questioned the basis for this change during the Commission's engagement.
“I have difficulty understanding how that can suddenly change to the family... that cannot change upon being engaged by the Commission.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri acknowledged that he was referring to General Sibiya and expressed difficulty identifying specific members in General Sibiya's faction within SAPS.
“I agree... I was referring to General Sibiya... having difficulty to identify... who is in his faction from the police side.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri initially referred to 'family and friends' rather than 'perpetrators' regarding those involved in the issue around Mr. Molefe's detention.
“I referred to family and friends ... I thought I said family and friends.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri clarified that the perpetrators are four persons who have been arrested and charged, and he has no information tying them to General Sibiya.
“It is four persons who are being charged, and I do not have information that they are related or have ties with General Sibiya.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explained that he initially had one version referring to General Sibiya's faction, but upon pressure, changed his statement to say the complaints came from 'family and friends'.
“I had one version when I said side, meaning the General Sibiya and the faction ... But when I was pressed, I said because the persons who complained was the family and I said family and friends.”
The Chairperson read from the previous day's transcript showing Lt-Gen Shibiri had referred to 'perpetrators, family and friends' and challenged him on the identity of the perpetrators mentioned.
“The transcript of yesterday... it does say it is the perpetrators, family and friends.”
Adv Segeels-Ncube pointed out it was not only when pressured for names that Lt-Gen Shibiri changed his account, but also due to arguments that it was implausible for the other faction to be that of General Sibiya's side.
“It was not just when you were pressed for names that you changed your version.”
Lieutenant General Shibiri was on leave and sick on the 6th and 7th and thus did not know the reason for an arrest, but took it upon himself to make enquiries and report back to General Sibiyila as he was trusted to do so.
“I was not reluctant on the 16th. On the 6th I was supposed to be going there if I was feeling well... I phoned to find out what was he arrested for... He trusted, he always phones me and it shows he trusted me to do the work and always he tasked me.”
Even though Lieutenant General Shibiri was on sick leave, General Sibiyila directly phoned him and expected a full report on the arrest matter from him, instead of tasking the acting officer or the Deputy Police Commissioner Khumalo.
“The General knew I was on sick leave, and he chose to phone me, not informing the one who is acting to enquire about these things on the 7th... when he knows it is not your docket.”
Lieutenant General Shibiri admits to making enquiries and reporting back directly to General Sibiyila even while on sick leave, despite the acting officer being responsible for such matters during his absence.
“I take it upon myself that always I report back if I am sent... I make sure that I go and report back... I expect the person to report back to me and then I report back to the senior person who has tasked me.”
Advocate Baloyi questions why Lieutenant General Shibiri did not instruct the acting officer or ask General Khumalo to provide reports during his sick leave, thus creating a vacuum in handling the January arrest matter.
“That is the last thing that happened... You do not, and then you on the 17th or 16th start making these enquiries without yourself speaking to Khumalo to check did you give Sibiy a response. So you created this vacuum.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri had a conversation on the 7th where the family and attorney knew about an arrest, but on the 16th, he mentioned wanting information for the other side, implying it was not for the family.
“You are satisfied that the family knows because the attorney knows ... So on the 16th when you say he wants it for the other side, it cannot be the family”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explained that the discussion about wanting information for the other side was a proposition, not a direct call where the person asked for such information.
“I do not understand it as I said that was the conversation which I came with that proposition ... it was a proposition”
Lt-Gen Shibiri said that the phone call was to establish the reason for the arrest and to gather information to assist in investigation, not specifically to provide information to the National Commissioner.
“the reason for the phone was to establish the reason for the arrest but we talked a lot of things and also shared more information which can assist in the investigation ... It is not to say he phoned and said he wants information that day”
Lt-Gen Shibiri was bothered by the fact that people who do their work get threatened when doing it, not by the fact that people wanted to know about arrests.
“In our discussion what was bothering me ... is this thing that we do in our work and people threaten us when we do our work”
Lt-Gen Shibiri was reluctant to report that a person was charged with the murder of Armand Swart, explaining that the person was instructed not to talk about the case with anyone.
“He was given instruction that they must not talk about this case with any person”
Lt-Gen Shibiri stated that any inquiries about the matter should be referred to General Khumalo, Colonel Mokoena, or Brigadier Gopane.
“any person who want to enquire further about this matter, it must be enquired to General Khumalo, ... also indicated Colonel Mokoena and Brigadier Gopane”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri confirmed the existence of a group of five persons involved in mining interests in Rustenburg and Brits, with links to taxi operations and ownership of a fleet of taxis.
“Yes, him, I am sure they are five. They are a group of five. They were five. They are having other companies together. They are having other companies together also, or mining rights together. All of them, they were known for taxi. They were owning taxis. They were owning a fleet of taxis.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri indicated that the group of five had connections to Mr Malema, a prominent political figure, and that the Deputy National Commissioner also had ties to Malema and reported cases to Lieutenant-General Shibiri on his instruction.
“He is close to , they say he is close to Mr Malema. And also, the Deputy National Commissioner is also close to Malema because now and then he reports to him certain cases which he tasked me. So, it was in that context.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri said that Mr Matlala, associated with the late Mswazi, was not part of the group of five but provided security for the late Mswazi.
“No, what I know, I know he was a security for the late, not part of the five. I do not know. But I know he was providing security for the late Mswazi.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri linked a series of murders, including the Armand Swart murder, to violence within the taxi industry and to contract killers previously working for Mr Mswazi.
“I was referring to the murders happening from that particular group. So, I was thinking their link is about taxi violence... after Armand Swart murder happened, and then this person, Molefe arrested, and these people who were contract murderers from the taxi industry side...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states the discussion included issues of extortions and taxi violence, and that the witness was thinking broadly about ongoing problems rather than only the charge or arrest.
“we were discussing more things relating to what I thought was happening and what has been happening ... all about the taxi violence ... issues which were giving me problem on my component, being extortions done by who and who”
Lt-Gen Shibiri expresses surprise that Advocate Segeels-Ncube equates reporting the arrest date with providing useful information to the family, noting the family was at court with lawyers and friends.
“it is very much surprising that you think that way ... the family was at court. The lawyers were there, the friends were there. So, what information will assist the family about knowing what is the charge?”
Lt-Gen Shibiri distinguishes between the question asked (what was Molefe arrested for) and explaining the incident or charge in detail, saying the former was the intended question.
“The question to Witness A was what was he arrested for, not to explain what did he do or the incident”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explains the SAPS usage of SA Police Form 14 to state a reason for arrest such as murder or rape, highlighting a difference in terminology interpretations with Advocate Segeels-Ncube.
“We use books in the SAPS, SAP 14, for example, to say reason for arrest, you write murder, rape or whatever ... my English and your English will never be the same, so you will stretch it further according to your knowledge”
Information circulates among members from Limpopo that Lt. Gen. Shibiri is blocking bail and is thus considered a problem by some who distrust people even from their own province.
“I am told by police to say there are police who are saying I am the one who is blocking the bail ... you cannot trust people because even people whom you come with from home or from the same province ... they can turn around and say things about you”
LT - GEN SHIBIRIDay 77 · 13 Mar 2026Refers to: circa 2024Location: Limpopo, South Africa
Brigadier Nkhwashu, Deputy District Commissioner Sedibeng and Acting District Commissioner had asked Sergeant Shukuru to ask Lt. Gen. Shibiri not to oppose bail of Mr Tau on a new facts application.
“Sergeant Shukuru approached me to ask about the Vereeniging murder investigation ... Brigadier Nkhwashu, the Deputy District Commissioner ... had asked him to ask me not to oppose the bail application of Mr Tau ... this is not a new bail application but a further application on new facts and we had already opposed the bail”
Sergeant Shukuru claimed to be sent by Brigadier Nkhwashu to thank Lt. Gen. Shibiri but Lt. Gen. Shibiri found the request inappropriate because he had already opposed bail and did not agree with not opposing bail.
“Sergeant Shukuru... said he was asked to convey the message of appreciation ... this previous request was that I not oppose the bail and I could not agree to that request ... I do not know why he is approaching me like this”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri responded that members of the district informed him that he was the one blocking the bail for a suspect, and that some of those members came from his homeland as well as others from Limpopo.
“I am saying some members of the district informed me that there was a talk about me that I am the one who is blocking the bail and that time already he thanked the people for arranging bail as he requested and so forth. So, and I indicated that those members did not even want to tell me who is the person and the district in Gauteng they are six, not, if I am not mistaken and there are a lot of people coming from my homeland and others not far from where I am staying, working there and there is no where where me I am saying here in the transcript that is a district officer. I am saying somebody working from, people working from the district and then having interest in cases which are not even investigated by them.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri told that Brigadier Nkhwashu was sending Shukuru to speak to investigators regarding bail, which happened before December, and that there was gossip about him blocking bail.
“Brigadier Nkhwashu sending Shukuru and to speak to the investigators regarding the bail, I think it happened before December and we are talking in December where I am saying some members of the district informed me that there was a talk about me that I am the one who is blocking the bail.”
Lt-General Shibiri denies that the discussion mentioned was a structured meeting and clarifies that it was a casual discussion between two colleagues, not all linked to General Sibiya.
“It was a discussion between two colleagues and we, it was not a meeting which was structured”
Lt-General Shibiri acknowledges there is a senior official at district level, Brigadier Nkhwahu, who was trying to interfere with an investigation at the provincial level, which Shibiri denies having referred to and denies discussing Brigadier Nkhwahu.
“there is a senior official that is at district level that is trying to interfere in an investigation at provincial level”
Lt-General Shibiri denies talking about or referencing Brigadier Nkhwahu when questioned about an allegation of interference despite admitting a senior official's interference at district level.
General Shibiri indicated that information he received accused him of blocking bails at the district level and that he was interfering with certain investigations although he opposed bail without carrying dockets.
“I am the one who is blocking the bails ... I said my job is to oppose bail but I do not carry dockets ... I was referring to information I received from members that there are people ... indicating that I am the one who is blocking the bail”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri denied during evidence that Mr Molefe was part of a cartel; rather he said Mr Molefe was involved in a group of five individuals with business interests in mining.
“I never talked about a cartel. I said the person arrested, he was involved with a group of five and they have business interest when we were talking on the phone, and I also testified now. So, my denial was about that one.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri denied knowing Zee Nxumalo, whom Witness A linked to Julius Malema and to General Shibiri, stating he never said the surname Nxumalo and only referred to someone called Zee without knowing who he is.
“When you put a surname, it is something else because I do not know. And this Zee, remember I am talking about information of which I do not even know who Zee is. And I indicated in my statement that when I was asked with the relation of Zee and General and Mr Malema to see, I was once in the office of the General. There were a female and a Chinese guy who came to report about a case of vandalism at the mine in Northern Cape, and he indicated he is a business partner of Zee Nxumalo. And that is when I heard the name in that office, so suggesting they might be knowing him because they came to his office to report. And Mr Malema, I indicated that yes, sometimes he sent me to attend to certain cases and said he received a call from Mr Malema.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri testified that contract killers arrested were previously working for the late Mswazi, and new handlers want them out on bail.
“The sources said these contract killers who are arrested, the people who are arrested actually, they are contract killers. That was the information which I gave to them to say this is what I am told. And these people used to work by Mswazi. And now the current handlers, which we did not know who were they, they want them out on bail.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri said information indicated Mr Molefe is linked to the deceased Mswazi and the arrested suspects accused of murder in December 2024 are linked to him.
“And now that person that gets accused of being involved in the murder in December 024 and is arrested is Mr Molefe, who you say originate from the deceased Mswazi...Information I got says so.”
Lt-General Shibiri shared information with Witness A, head of organised crime, about an ongoing investigation concerning the group of five and indicated that individuals are in a safe house and protected to pursue the investigation.
“I shared with Witness A. Witness A works for organised crime. Witness A was part of the investigation team ... they were reinforced in a safe house, having all the resources to pursue this thing”
Lt-General Shibiri explained that as head of organised crime, he receives information from informers or other sources and passes it to investigators who deal with it; he does not personally conduct investigations.
“if you say to us, look, once I have got the information, I just pass it on, investigators will deal with it as head of organised crime”
Lt-General Shibiri described the investigative process involving a project team, headed by a project leader working with crime intelligence and multiple disciplines in the context of organised crime investigations.
“project lead has got a project team, a leader and it is a group ... crime intelligence ... determine the number in terms of the volume”
Lt-General Shibiri acknowledged Sergeant Nkosi considered the late Mr Mswazi to be a father figure, but he personally only knew they were related, not the significance of the relationship.
“I do not know that he is a father figure, but I knew they are related”
General Shibiri explained the danger is not to himself but about protecting people close to him, such as family and children, from exposure to dangerous people.
“The danger might be, I know the senior counsel, I know where the children are going and we went to school together and know everything in and out... The danger is not about me”
General Shibiri admitted that some police officers receive promotions or offers of promotions in exchange for providing information or negative information about others including him.
“There is this suggestion that some police officers are getting promotions or being offered promotions for giving information or negative information about you”
Lt-Gen Shibiri and other generals are afraid to mention certain people's names, such as Motsumi, due to potential risks and close associations within investigating teams.
“police officers and Generals in particular are afraid to mention the name of certain people ... General Senona was afraid to mention was Motsumi ... I do not know, but I know why I did not want to mention certain names. Because I have established that even those who are on the other side or investigating, they are close to the same people.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri fears mentioning names linked to a group of five individuals and requested that certain recordings not be played publicly for safety reasons, though he ultimately accepted the consequences of these names being revealed.
“Actually, I did not want anybody to be mentioned ... my prayer did not get through ... I did not want any name to be mentioned for that matter ... I do not want this recording to be played ... but my prayers were not met, so I will live with the consequences.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri is reluctant to mention a politician's name publicly because politicians can have unpredictable followers and he has seen this risk in his 38 years working with the police.
“Politicians are followers ... You do not know who is mad out there, who can do what when you say things. So, I have seen a lot in the 38 years I am working with the police.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri expressed concerns that naming the cartel publicly puts his life in danger and that he is currently provided bodyguards for protection.
“I thought it was reckless from crime intelligence head ... to come here and say Shibiri he gave us the name of the cartel ... And you are having bodyguards 24 hours because you do not want to be harmed by the same cartel.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri requested a threat risk assessment from SAPS but did not receive a response, stating he feels considered a loyalist to General Sibiya and is vulnerable without protection unlike other protected witnesses.
“I even requested a threat risk assessment, and I did not get any response, because I said I am considered maybe to be a loyalist to General Sibiya ... And those people are under protection. I am not.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri indicated that the Commission is assisting him with protection now but his legal team does not want certain recordings played publicly or discussed outside the Commission.
“The Commission is now assisting me ... my legal team, I indicated to them, I do not want this recording to be played. And if it is supposed to be played, it must be played in camera ... But my prayers were not met, so I will live with the consequences.”
The Commission is probing issues of interference and infiltration of SAPS by criminals syndicates at very high levels and if Lt-Gen Shibiri is reluctant to share relevant information, it hinders the Commission's mandate.
“Have criminal syndicates infiltrated SAPS at the very highest levels? ... If you are reluctant to share information with us, information that you know is relevant ... We are probing these very issues ... I do not want to be left with the feeling that General knew something, but he did not want to tell us or was reluctant to tell us.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri states that the deposit for the suit was made by Africa Steel, owned by Mr Chang, who was buying a suit for his son’s wedding in China.
“Commissioner, you can check the deposit is from Africa Steel. Africa Steel is owned by Mr Chang, who happened to be a friend of mine. And then he was the one who was buying a suit. His son was getting married. He was getting to China. So, he was buying a suit at Zegna.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri confirms he does not personally know Zee Nxumalo or relationship between him, Julius Malema or himself, despite knowledge of such relationship conveyed to Witness A.
“My recollection of the matter is limited to that interaction, and I have no personal knowledge of Zee Nxumalo or of any relationship between him, Lt-Gen Sibiy, or Julius Malema. ... I was asked, do you know Zee? You said no. ... I know the name, not him. I do not know him.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri acknowledges the existence of a relationship among Zee Nxumalo, Julius Malema, and General Sibiy but states he only knows the name of Zee Nxumalo and not him personally.
“Yes, and I explained why I say that, because of those people who came to his office in my presence, and also the taskings from the DNC indicating he got a request for intervention from Mr Malema. ... I know the name, not him.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri was informed by Govender in Limpopo that General Khan was suspended or the intention was to suspend him on 19 September.
“I was told by one of his friends, Govender in Limpopo. ... I understand Khan was suspended on Monday. ... The last time I checked, it was an intention to suspend. Let me confirm.”
There is a suspicious transaction in October 2023 involving General Sibiya's bank account with a credit and related purchase which he explains as a suit bought by a friend who transferred money to him.
“...credit to your account of 58820 on the 11th of October 2023... it is a purchase at Zegna for 53538... a friend wanted to buy a suit but they transferred money into your account for you to pay for them.”
Lt-General Shibiri indicated that if General Sibiya wanted feedback quickly, he should call Mbuso Khumalo to send the report, but he himself would not give feedback that day.
“No, General, give me time. I will give feedback later, or else if you are in a hurry, you can phone Khumalo to send you the report. Myself, no.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explains he responded somewhat disrespectfully to General Sibiya regarding urgent requests for investigation reports because he was struggling but regretted his tone and wanted to speak differently.
“I respond to him in a bad way... I said... I thought I answered him badly, or inappropriately... I spoke badly and then you thought, let me pull myself back, let me speak differently, let me deal with it differently”
There was a thorough promotion process for Lt-Gen Shibiri to take the acting Component Head position involving a shortlist, tests, verbal interviews, chaired by General Sibiya and including Divisional and Provincial Commissioners and a delegation from NPA.
“For you to be promoted, there is a shortlisting... there is candidates... test and verbal interview... He was the Chairperson... with the Divisional Commissioner, Crime Detection and Provincial Commissioner of Western Cape, General Patekile... Also delegation from NPA”
Lt-Gen Shibiri denies he holds his current position because of General Sibiya but admits he serves on Sibiya's and the Divisional Commissioner's behest.
“By that, do you mean you are now holding the position that you hold because of General Sibiya? No. Yes, I said I serve on his behest.”
General Senthumule recommended and approved Lt-Gen Shibiri for the acting Component Head position along with General Sibiya before Sibiya's promotion to DNC.
“General Senthumule recommended and approved you for the acting position, he was former position holder before promotion to DNC”
General Shibiri had in excess of R50,000 in credit on a bank statement from 18 September, indicating available funds beyond the overdraft facility for repairs to his son's car.
General Shibiri states that despite having excess funds of R105,000 between himself and his son, he still needed extra money because of planned building works and renovations, intending to repay the loan in December when expecting an excess of R130,000 to R150,000.
“As I indicated yesterday, I had planned to build a wall back home and also at my house. And also, we are renovating my dad's tombstone in March. That was in my plan. So hence, I needed extra money to deal with that, knowing that in December I will be having in the excess of R130000 to R150000 which I can easily pay back the money which I could have loaned.”
General Shibiri denies needing Mr Matlalala’s money for a Thanksgiving function, clarifying that it was not a promotion party nor funded by Mr Matlalala.
“That was not a party to celebrate my promotion. It was not funded by Matlala.”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI denies piling up money and explains that the money referred to as collective mine was planned and was on balance, and some of it was used for a ceremony on 20 September 2024.
“I disagree. I am trying to explain to the Commissioner that it is not piling. It is something which was planned, which was there, which that particular money you are referring to as collective mine, which was on balance. Some of the things I was going to use for it is that. That was my explanation.”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI states that from 16 September he was supposed to be on leave and left on 18 September for Limpopo because of a ceremony on 20 September.
“I also indicated that from the 16th, I was supposed to be on leave. And I left on the 18th for Limpopo because I was having that ceremony on the 20th.”
LT- G E N S H I B I R IDay 76 · 12 Mar 2026Refers to: September 16-18, 2024Location: Limpopo
LT-GEN SHIBIRI admits to using money from his account to fund the Thanksgiving ceremony on 20 September 2024, amounting to R14,000 used to buy beverages.
LT-GEN SHIBIRI states he took a loan for convenience to repay it and use other money for intended expenses, despite the loan being from a person seriously implicated in criminality.
“My decisions ... is that I agreed to say I decided to take a loan from a seriously, seriously implicated person. So, that is the only thing I am taking home... I took a decision as a man who was thinking ...”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI denies regret for taking loan from a seriously implicated person, but takes the allegation seriously although no charges were brought against anyone.
“I take that home. But I am not sorry for my decision. I took a decision as a man who was thinking that in that particular way at that time and I believe I have got the right to think like that as long as it is right.”
General Shibiri stated he does not condone police officers being involved with people who are allegedly accused but not charged, and emphasized that while association or interaction may be unavoidable, he cannot associate with criminal acts.
“I am not condoning it or condoning police officers to be involved with people who are allegedly to be involved ... I cannot associate with criminal doing ... criminal acts with any individual. I cannot.”
General Shibiri admitted to borrowing money from a person who had allegations against him but stated he had a long relationship with that person without knowing about the allegations at the time, and insisted he repaid the loan.
“The only thing where it has been pointed now and then is that I borrowed money from a person who had an allegation or a cloud hanging around his head ... I had a long relationship with him without knowing or without him having such or whatever ... it is a loan which I paid.”
General Shibiri was questioned on whether the money he borrowed was a loan and appeared to admit that it was a loan that he chose to take due to specific reasons and was prepared to repay.
“I had my reasons and I gave my reasons why I chose to take the loan, preparing for whatever and it was within my reach to pay and I paid ... it remained a loan which I paid.”
Perceptions matter for senior police officers who associate with people accused of serious misconduct, as public faith in SAPS can be affected.
“Do you accept that perceptions matter when the public sees you keeping the company and friendship of people who, in the public space, are accused of serious misconduct?”
The witness is close friends with Mr Matlala, has received a loan from him, and publicly providing assistance to him justifies the loan as an act he would do for any member of the public, but acknowledges the public may view the relationship with concern affecting public faith in SAPS.
“The public be come aware, as it has now become aware through your evidence that you are close friends with Mr Matlala, that you have received the benefit of a loan, what you say was a loan, from him. The public now knows that you actually do provide assistance. You justify it, that well, this is assistance that I would have given to any member of the public. But knowing the facts, as you have testified to at least that you have conceded about your relationship with him, do you accept that in the eyes of the public that may be an issue for concern and it is something that must concern you, because it impacts on what people think about not just you, not just you, but also the SAPS?”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI clarifies that it would be unfair for the public to form a lasting negative view based on a single incident of association with someone later involved in criminal actions, especially as he is no longer friends with that person.
“I think it is what I explained to Commissioner Khumalo yesterday to say that it would be wrong for the public to take a view based on one incident, and then combine them to be one thing. I even gave example of we, this comes from long way, and criminal actions happened later, and now I am still in that one, even though for where I am standing now because of what happened, because of what involved in, we are no longer friends or whatsoever. But I explained this, exactly that question to Commissioner to say this relation, it was long, and now you got evidence now of what unfolded and who this person is, what did it happen, and when did I became to see it, and so forth. So, I indicated yesterday it would be unfair because it would be an unfair in a realistic world where we are living with people.”
Complainants may request a specific police officer to assist them, but this is not a guaranteed or standard operation procedure.
“Not necessarily what we do, but it happens that the complainant will come and say we do not want this particular investigator because of one, two, three, we want our case to be dealt by this one because he was doing better than this one.”
Mr Matlala requested Sergeant Nkosi to accompany him during a complaint, but did not provide a reason for preferring Sergeant Nkosi.
“Matlala actually said if Nkosi is not busy, he will appreciate if you assist him and I said I will phone Nkosi and hear from him, then he will call him if he is ready.”
Mr Matlala did not give a specific reason why he wanted Sergeant Nkosi to attend with him.
“No, he did not give me instruction. No, I am not saying instruction, General. Did he give you a reason why he wants Sergeant Nkosi to be the one that goes with him after you said to him got to the police station?”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI did not have prior discussion with Mr Matlala about attending General Sibiya's function in September 2024.
“No. I did not even know about it. I knew about it on, I think on the 13th. It was Friday. Because I came back from China on the 2nd. And on that Friday, I was so tired, then I was sleeping.”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI received a call from General Sibiya inviting him to an engagement party of his son and considered attending.
“Hence, other documents were brought home to be signed. So, I received a call from the General indicating that there will be a engagement party of his son. If I could, he would appreciate it if I come. I said I would see if I am not still tired because I am still feeling tired.”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI phoned Sergeant Nkosi to ask about attending General Sibiya's son's engagement party; Nkosi was expected to escort him but other people could not assist so he phoned Absa directly for assistance.
“During the day, on Saturday, I spoke to Nkosi who seems to be there by the General's assisting, asking if I am coming. I said, ja, I think I will come, but I will decide in the afternoon. ... I had a puncture, and then I again phoned Nkosi and the other people to assist. They could not assist. I phoned Absa directly to come and assist me.”
Sergeant Nkosi reported to Lieutenant-General Shibiri that Cat had arrived at a certain location, which was understood as a confirmation rather than a question.
“He is reporting to you that Cat has arrived there. That is what he is telling you. Cat has arrived there. He is telling you that Cat is there”
ADV Baloyi SC proposed that General Shibiri likely knew Mr Matlala intended to attend a function that evening and that Shibiri had communicated with Mr Matlala or Sergeant Nkosi regarding this.
“It is for you to say to me, you are wrong, this is in fact the correct story. That in fact, you knew he was going to be attending, Mr Matlala was going to be attending that evening... WhatsApp exchanges supports or accords with the proposition that I am making to you that you knew Mr Matlala was going to be there that evening either because you have spoken to him or you have spoken to Sergeant Nkosi.”
General Shibiri admitted he had a serious problem with the proposition that he knew Mr Matlala was attending that evening, stating he saw Matlala physically for the first time on the 14th and denying that he never communicated with him telephonically.
“I have a serious problem with this proposition actually because it seems whatever somebody is saying, it does not make sense always... I said I saw Matlala physically for the first time on the 14th. I did not say we never communicated telephonically.”
General Shibiri indicated knowledge in September that Mr Matlala had a contract with SAPS and that Mr Matlala had inquired about his travel because he was involved in contract work.
“That is when I knew he has got contract with SAPS because he said he is doing that... also, I did indicate that at the beginning of the year he indicated that he heard I am back in the office. He was there around our office.”
General Shibiri did not know that Cat invited Mr Matlala and informed the commission that he was invited by the General (himself) to attend, having communicated with Sergeant Nkosi beforehand and arrived around 7-8pm.
“So what I am saying is I did not know that Cat is invited, he will be there. I was invited by the General to be there. I have spoken to Nkosi earlier on asking me if I am coming... I arrived there around past seven to eight.”
General Shibiri described the seating arrangement at the event, noting Cat sat away from him and he never proposed any loan to Cat, only discussing an accident and his financial difficulties.
“He was not seated where I have seated... We talked about the accident and how I am going to get some money to do that because I do not have enough... And he offered. So, to the proposition that I knew that he would be there as if there was a pre-planned meeting with him, I was going to see him. This is what I am insinuating.”
General Shibiri denied that a Thanksgiving ceremony held at his homestead in Tzaneen on 20 September 2024 was a celebration of his promotion or funded by Mr Matlala.
“The Thanksgiving ceremony took place at my homestead in Tzaneen on 20 September 2024. It was not a party to celebrate my promotion and it was not funded by Mr Matlala.”
Mr Matlala told that he gave General Shibiri R80000 as a loan that was returned in cash to limit a paper trail, paid through a company called Black AK10 Trading, in celebration of promotion to Major General.
“Mr Matlala told us that he gave General Shibiri R80000. The money was sent to him in celebration of his promotion to the rank of Major General. The funds were paid through a company called Black AK10 Trading. He explained that General Shibiri reversed the money back to him and requested that it be paid to him in cash in order to limit a paper trail.”
Mr Matlala was arrested in May 2025 and in an interview described that he sent money to General Shibiri, who called him directly and they communicated frequently.
“this is the recording of the interview that was held with Mr Matlala when he was arrested in May of 2025 ... Mr Matlala says: "DNC is severe." ... Mr Matlala: "General Shibiri." ... unknown female: "General Shibiri is calling you direct, and you call each other." ... Mr Matlala: "Yes, he called me even Friday."”
Mr Matlala stated he gave money in cash to General Shibiri using a business account to buy alcohol during a celebration in Tzaneen, not into General Shibiri's bank account directly.
“Mr Matlala: "He is also used to me a lot." ... unknown female 2: "And I saw an account number, a business account number going to him." ... Mr Matlala: "No, I give him cash." ... Mr Matlala: "He was celebrating that thing when he was General." ... Mr Matlala: "And then he went to somewhere in Tzaneen. It was not his account." ... Mr Matlala: "He gave me an account to say he wants to buy alcohol. I think I gave him something like 80 or 100000. I do not remember."”
General Shibiri confirms the payment of R70000 was made into his son's account on 18 September 2024, related to the celebration in Tzaneen, not directly to his own account.
“And the payment was made to your son of the R70000. When was that? ... 18 September 2024 ... Yes ... It was not to your account ... It was paid into your son's account ... That transaction is for the R70000 ... And the names were given to him, and for that reason ... The money was used for ... I sent it, I paid the money after three months.”
General Shibiri claims the money was a loan from Mr Matlala, not a payment for celebration, and Mr Matlala knew the money was transferred into his son's account.
“It was a loan to me ... Mr Matlala never refers ... he testified it was given to my son ... I become angry, immediately send it back ... I sent it, I paid the money after three months ... Mr Matlala knew that the account is for my son and I gave him that account in order for him to transfer the money to that account.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri was trying to contact General Mbuso Khumalo regarding information from a source related to the Swart investigation, but did not have a follow-up conversation about the threats involved.
“I was trying to relay that information I got from the source to him so that he can take appropriate step ... And then it did not happen that he came back to me. Then I went to the person responsible for organised crime... Brigadier Gopane... No. ... No.”
Mr. Matlala did not classify the money as a loan during interrogation, but only long after, possibly to benefit Lt-General Shibiri who had already classified it as a loan.
“when he is interrogated or interviewed ... he does not classify it as a loan. He classifies it as a loan long after. And he does that probably for your benefit because you have now classified it as a loan after the fact”
Lt-General Shibiri states that Mr. Matlala knew about his going to Tzaneen, including meeting two days before, and knew the money paid was for Shibiri's son, knowing the purpose and destination of the money.
“Matlala knew about me going to Tzaneen because we met two days before ... he knew that he paid the money to my son ... he heard the name of my son ... he knows where the money went ... he knows what was the money for”
Lt-General Shibiri denies the insinuation that Mr. Matlala did not know about the payment's details and suggests Matlala may have been coerced to give a misleading version.
“he may be deliberately misled them to say he paid how much and whatsoever because he was being coerced ... what you are insinuating to say he did not know ...”
Lt-General Shibiri rejects taking the statements as evidence because he considers them as coerced, choreographed and not properly obtained; but confirms giving bank statements of Mr Matlala depositing to his son.
“I am not going to take this as evidence ... something which is not taken proper, coerced ... but I gave you a bank statement showing Matlala depositing money to my son, which I gave to him ... he did not have it”
Mr. Matlala confirms that Lt-General Shibiri went to Tzaneen and that there's consistency that the money was related to a celebration two days before on 20 September.
“what he confirms ... is that you went somewhere in Tzaneen ... he also speaks about the issue of the celebration ... payment made two days before your celebration on the 20th of September ... he also knows about the celebration”
Lt-General Shibiri denies being in desperate need of cash and asserts that the money shown in his and his son's account covered payments for parts and luxury purchases, not repaying a loan.
“there is money which showed in my account or the account of my son ... money showing paying for parts and whatsoever ... suggest you were not in desperate need of cash ... enough funds in your bank accounts to even make these luxury purchases”
Lt-General Shibiri admits in early November 2024 he needed to sell some of his cattle to pay back money to Mr Matlala and confirms approximately R20,000 was received and paid back to Matlala.
“in early November 2024, you needed to sell some of your cattle to pay back money to Mr Matlala ... proceeds were approximately R20 000 ... that is what you paid to Mr Matlala”
Bank statement entries show a purchase at Gucci Sandton for R19,500 on 4 November 2024, indicating availability of funds and contradicting need to sell cattle for cash to pay Matlala.
“on the 4th of November 2024, there is a purchase at Gucci Sandton for R19500 ... you were not in desperate need of cash ... you had enough funds in your bank accounts to even make these luxury purchases”
Lt-General Shibiri admits purchasing a Zegna suit in 2023 on behalf of a friend who forgot his banking details and he paid the R53,000 for it, with the secretary later transferring the amount.
“On page 24 of the same bundle ... a friend who was buying a suit for a wedding of the son ... he forgot his banking details ... I did swipe for him the 53 ... and he sent it back ... it was in 2023 ... we were at Zegna ... Secretary transferred”
There was an attempt through other people to bribe Lieutenant General Shibiri and hired people to eliminate them, but these people were arrested, including police officers, though the matter was withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.
“Actually, there was attempt through other people. And they could not reach us because we were so close. And there were people hired to come and eliminate us. And because we formed another team to counter the threat. And those people were arrested. And only to find there were police officers also those people. But matter was due to insufficient evidence was end up being withdrawn.”
Lieutenant General Shibiri had not been personally offered a bribe in the murder matter, but cited a case of a prosecutor offered a bribe of 100,000 who remains under witness protection and police arrested the people involved.
“No, I was not offered personal. But there is a case which I cited of a prosecutor. Where a police officer is still under witness protection for the past four years. Where he was offered a bribe of 100000. And the prosecutor and those other police were arrested or other people.”
Lieutenant General Shibiri has never been personally offered a bribe but acknowledges risks of working with compromised officers who may try to manipulate investigations.
“No, I was not offered personal... Mine was not a serious one, was a robbery case where I was offered a bribe. And I ended up arresting that person who was not this one... I never experienced such a thing... I never experienced it. I am not saying it is not possible, but I never experienced that and it is right.”
Lieutenant General Shibiri describes a scenario where compromised officers try to work with a person to either lure them to meet perpetrators or befriend them to compromise or capture them.
“What I have experienced is they will try to work with the person, either to lure him to meet with the perpetrators, to befriend them in order for them to be captured or to be compromised.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri said the source gave information to assist the investigation and that their veracity was supposed to be tested via threat risk assessments and further investigation.
“The source gave information to assist the investigation. That is where I said the veracity of the information was supposed to be done through threat risk assessment to confirm whatever was said, is it true or not”
Lt-Gen Shibiri contacted Section Head of Ballistic, Brigadier Mkhabela, to prioritize getting ballistic reports and linkages before the next court date for the investigation.
“contact the Section Head of Ballistic, Brigadier Mkhabela, and indicate to him that there is this case which need to be prioritized and we need it to be prioritized in terms of getting ballistic report and linkages before the next court date”
Lt-Gen Shibiri followed up with Brigadier Mkhabela and Brigadier Ntuli from Crime Intelligence regarding the drafting of the request for ballistic reports, confirming investigation ongoing and cooperation.
“called the Brigadier where she indicated in the morning, indicated that she is with Brigadier Ntuli from Crime Intelligence, who is responsible for, not cyber, counter. And then he is assisting her with the drafting of the request ... once when I met with some of the investigators, they indicated they were fine”
Lt-Gen Shibiri did not know the identity of the hit orderer behind the contract killers despite asking the source.
“They told me suspects are contract killers. They did not tell me who contracted them. Yes, I asked to say who contracted them. I said if you follow up these other people, then you will find out. So I do not know if he was afraid to say out to me to say, yes, this person contracted this and so forth”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explained that the case manager allocates ballistics cases at different stations and provinces and suspects compromising the forensic evidence would mean altering information which would be detectable.
“Ballistics has got too much people and they have got thousands of cases. In order for somebody to compromise this, meaning there must be somebody, because there is case manager who is allocating. You do not allocate the case for yourself. And it is different stations, different provinces ... The only thing to confirm and see is when we receive the report and then we will followup based on that ... The only worst scenario I was thinking, I am not saying it ever happened, but I was thinking, if somebody who can maybe have another rifle and exchange the mechanisms so that it cannot match, but if you go and change the numbers, it is easy for us to detect ... But you needed something to verify, to see if ever there is manipulation, and then you can continued doing that. It is an ongoing investigation.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri stated that files are opened and locked with keys, case investigators allocated, so risk of forgery exists but is monitored.
“Exhibit when it is received, it is filed ... locked ... investigator is allocated, meaning there will be the person who has having the keys storage and the person who has going to do the investigation to go and open ... the only worst scenario I was thinking ... if somebody ... change the numbers ... it is easy for us to detect”
Lt-Gen Shibiri said the Crime Intelligence opened the investigative file and promised to prioritize the ballistic report.
“That file which is opened by Crime Intelligence is part of the investigating of the whole ... Then he promised to prioritize ... assign a specific person to deal with it so that he get the result in timely as we have requested.”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI often communicates with Provincial Heads (Brigadiers) when there is an imminent situation to coordinate investigation support and deployment.
“I communicate with the Provincial Heads, being Brigadiers if there is imminent thing.”
In the Murray murder investigation, a complaint by the family about lack of progress was sent to the office of the Deputy National Commissioner, General Sibiya, who then assigned Lt-Gen Shibiri and the team to investigate with meetings every three weeks.
“The complaint was sent to the office of the Deputy National Commissioner... then the Deputy National Commissioner reigned me with the team ... we agreed that we give them a chance to investigate for three weeks and after every three weeks we will meet ...”
General Shibiri warned investigators that suspects were planning to bring a bag full of money to bribe them to be freed and if they do not take the bribe, a hit is coming for them.
“General Shibiri informed us that he got the information that the suspects are planning to bring a bag full of money for us so that they can be freed failing which a hit is coming for us.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri did not use the phrase 'flying envelopes' to describe bribes; he said it differently about a bag full of money given to an attorney to bribe the investigator, magistrate, or prosecutor.
“the big thing , flying envelopes which I never uttered ... I talked about a bag full of money given to an attorney who must bribe the investigator or the magistrate or the , what you call , the prosecutor”
Lt-Gen Shibiri acknowledges a conversation where he said the case was sensitive and that people linked to suspects wanted to give a bag of money and would kill if the bribe was not taken.
“General Shibiri then informed us that the case was very sensitive and further that the people who are linked to the suspects , they want to give us a bag of money and that if we do not take that money these people will kill us”
Lt-Gen Shibiri says he expressly cautioned officers not to accept the bribe, although none of the officers say he did so.
“you said that you expressly cautioned them not to accept the bribe ... Very much sure ... in these sense that I even indicated , even if you were to take the bribe ...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri agrees he did not tell officers not to take the bribe and comments on the oddity of all officers saying one thing possibly due to influence.
“I indicate I did not tell them that ... if every you are influenced in another way for certain purposes , then they will say the same thing”
Witnesses A and B were confused about Lieutenant-General Shibiri's motives because he operated in a 'grey area' by mentioning a bribe without explicitly telling them to take it, causing uncertainty.
“Witness A and Witness B left that meeting very confused about your motives. Because you were operating in the grey area. Because you were not express about the bribe. You were suggesting to them that there is something available if they were susceptible to it. That is what they understood.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri denies wanting the officers to take the bribe, only stating that if they refuse the bribe, they might be killed.
“I do not know where they are indicating that I wanted them to take the bribe. Except where they are indicating that if they do not take the bribe, these people are going to kill them.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states that police officers from Organised Crime would be aware if a bribe was involved and that sharing the name of the person expected to bring the bribe is part of an entrapment strategy.
“If you talk about bribe, as police officers from organised crime, they will be on the know. And I told them the person who is coming and then who will be possibly coming, so that they know. And then from there, entrapment can be made to arrest such person.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri denies instructing anyone to take the bribe, explaining that providing information about a bribe is part of grey area investigation work but they do not explicitly tell officers to take it.
“I am not saying that you told them to take the money. I am saying it is a grey area for them as the investigators. That is what I am saying to you. You are not expressly saying take the bribe. You are saying to them, there is a bribe available.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri informed investigators about the names of persons present at court who might know suspects to facilitate the investigation and confirmation of information received from a source.
“The people I told them the names, which I thought they might know, is that one which I was told by the source to say there is a Zungu from Toms, there is a Johnny from JMPD, an unknown lady from Johannesburg. Because they were there at court, I thought they might have seen them and know them and confirmed the information to me.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri never intended to disclose the identity of the source, only the handler and co-handler knew who the source was.
“No, as a source is known to the handler and the co-handler... only the commander will know because he inspects the file quarterly... you will not have a source any more. Then you will have a dead source.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri stated that sources may choose to remain anonymous or be registered and paid, and the sharing of source identity is tightly controlled to protect lives.
“Some want to give you information and stay away, some want to give you information and be registered and be paid...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admitted incorrectly stating he used a credit card for a purchase which was actually paid in cash by family members.
“I apologize to have indicated that I used my credit card, because I solely believed that I used one of my card... we did not use a card, we used cash, which was contribution from my brothers and everybody who was there to go and buy the cold drinks and beers.”
Adv Khumalo SC challenged Lt-Gen Shibiri that despite different versions about payment method, the money for the Thanksgiving event was available in his cheque account.
“You started by saying you used your ABSA cheque account... You then said, oh no, it is in the linked credit card... You are now saying it was cash contributions from members of the family... So that money was all available to you to be used to repair the vehicle.”
Lt. General Shibiri asserts it is silly for a witness to think that just because he was invited to a place, he must have been there under suspicious circumstances.
“I will start by answering this one, that that is silly for that witness to think what he thought because he visited a place invited by somebody.”
Lt. General Shibiri denies knowing or having a relationship with Vusi Ndlala and says it is silly to assume Vusi was his source for information.
“I wrote the name, I wrote the cellphone, I will give it to you and then you can go and confirm your own way...But my source is not Vusi Ndlala. I indicated he was working with the police...But I am still maintaining that is silly...My source is not Vusi Ndlala.”
Lt. General Shibiri states he never told Vusi Ndlala about Tau’s bail and that they never discussed it.
“The issue of Vusi Ndlala, of me telling Vusi Makhubela about the bail, it is not true. It is not true. I never told Vusi and we never discussed that thing of them.”
Witness A is confused about the meaning and motives behind a meeting involving Lt. General Shibiri and others, and the presence of envelopes or money suggests suspicion.
“Witness A is confused about what the meeting meant. He is confused about your motives...He gets the invitation. He goes there...If he thinks that Vusi Ndlala is your source, it makes perfect sense that you are there.”
Witness A and Sergeant Ndlala were told by their commander, who is Lt. General Shibiri, that he wanted to see them and warned them of money circulating and to be careful.
“You have witness A who says you called them. They were told by their Commander, their immediate superior, that you want to see them...You tell them that there is a bag of money that is going around. You tell them to be careful...You have already said that someone is trying to thwart or to undermine the investigation.”
Lt. General Shibiri states he met Vusi Ndlala before in Crime Intelligence but does not want to be involved in revealing the details or testifying about it.
“He was working with the police and when I met him he was sourced somewhere at Crime Intelligence some other time back and I do not want to be involved in that and I do not want to testify about that because it is not...it is totally not okay to divulge such information. It is not allowed.”
Presence of Lt. General Shibiri with Witness A and Vusi Ndlala at an event was likely a coincidence and all said to be innocent.
“I think what you are being asked to comment on without passing judgment about it is that you have witness A who says you called them...It may well have been a coincidence that you happened to be there and your presence there is all innocent.”
LT-GEN Shibiri explains he was at the meeting on his business and did not know the others were invited by a friend, and that he informed them of what he knew.
“I am there on my business, which they do not even know. And then I call them on an official duty whereby I inform them what I informed.”
LT-GEN Shibiri denies knowing Tau or having any interest in Tau's bail or case, stating his interest was in the investigator's safety and case progress.
“I do not know Tau and I did not have interest in Tau bail or getting bail or whatever. What I had interest was the investigators being safe and the case going forward.”
LT-GEN Shibiri claims to have reasons for not recalling certain details and fears for his livelihood if he were to disclose certain names on the platform.
“...I even indicating, am I allowed to recall these names in this platform, because that would be endangering my livelihood and that is what I said even that day.”
LT-GEN Shibiri partially accepts and partially rejects Witness A's version of the 16 December 2024 call, stating some parts are correct and some are incorrect, including disagreement whether the discussion was telephonic or in camera.
“What I indicated, some are very correct, some are related to what they are saying. So if I say I agree to everything, then it will be like all what was indicated to be said there, I agree with it, and some are not the correct version.”
Witness B recorded a telephone conversation with General Shibiri using her cellphone without initially intending to disclose the recording publicly.
“at some point during the telephone conversation with General Shibiri, Witness B recorded the conversation using her cellphone. I had no intention of disclosing this recording publicly”
The arrest of Mr Katiso Molefe on 6 December 2024 made Witness B and the speaker more suspicious about inquiries related to the Swart murder case, especially about Mr Molefe's arrest.
“the arrest of Mr Katiso Molefe on 6 December 2024 made us more suspicious of those who would enquire about the Swart murder case, and in particular, Mr Molefe's arrest”
Witness B and the speaker initially had no intention of recording the call with General Shibiri, but decided to record once General Shibiri mentioned being invited to General Sibiya’s birthday celebration.
“When General Shibiri called, Witness B and I had no intention of recording the call... but at some point, General Shibiri mentioned that he had been invited to General Sibiya’s plot for a birthday celebration. At that moment, we decided to record the call”
The call with General Shibiri was initially not recorded on speaker, causing the voice quality to be unclear at the beginning of the recording.
“When the call with General Shibiri started, the phone was not on speaker... at the beginning of the recording, General Shibiri's voice is not as clear because the call is not on speaker”
The speaker was reluctant to disclose the recording publicly but decided to disclose it after General Shibiri denied the speaker’s version of the call during evidence on 4 March 2026, to maintain credibility.
“Now that he has denied my version and effectively placed my credibility in doubt... I have no option but to disclose the recording publicly. I do so reluctantly... I gave the Commission's evidence leader permission to disclose the recording... to General Shibiri and the Commissioners and to play it during the public hearing”
Although reluctant, the speaker is willing to disclose the recording publicly since General Shibiri disputed the call content, which affects the speaker’s credibility and evidence already given to the Commission.
“My reluctance to disclose the recording publicly must not be seen as me being forced to disclose the recording. I do so willingly, although I would have preferred for General Shibiri not to dispute the contents of the call and avoid the need for disclosure”
Lt-General Shibiri initially said the other side was one faction within SAPS but later changed to say it was the family, indicating he was not truthful.
“So, when you said it was his side of the SAPS faction, you were lying to the Commission.”
Lt-General Shibiri initially said he would not mention names referring to the other side as the family, but later clarified he meant the police side, causing confusion.
“When you said that you would not mention the people on this other side, did you mean it was the family you would not mention? ... No, I was meaning on the side of the police.”
Lt-General Shibiri said he was concerned about refusing General Sibiya's request and worried about the response he had given General Sibiya regarding a report.
“According to Witness A, you had said that you were concerned about refusing General Sibiya's request and that it would, you were worried about the response that you had given General Sibiya in respect of a response.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri indicated on 7 December he received a call about complaints concerning the family of Mr Katiso Molefe not knowing where he was detained and phoned around Gauteng for information.
“On the 7th I received a call to indicate that the family of Molefe is complaining about not knowing where was he detained, and I phoned around in Gauteng”
Lt-Gen Shibiri said he denied that one reason for not going to the farm was to avoid giving feedback about the Molefe case; the real reason was ill health.
“No, it was not the reason. The reason was my ill health, hence I phoned him to get more information because I knew on the 18th I was going back to work.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri indicated knowledge that the suspect was working and was business partners with Mswazi and five other people, related to their behaviour after the arrest.
“I discovered that he was working, he was business partners with Mswazi and the other five people and that is what I was hearing with him, because I was knowing he is at the safe house.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri was phoned by General Sibiya to establish the detention status of a detainee unknown to the family.
“I was phoned by the General to say he received a complaint that the family does not know where the suspect has been detained and I must establish the detention status.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri stated that the detained person's lawyers have been informed and that it cannot be 'the otherside' since it must be the family, although there is division within the police.
“What I know for a fact is the family had interest. But yes, I know he has got police who are close to him, including myself. I am quoted to be one who is close to him. But it was me who was supposed to report. So I said maybe the other side might be the police or the family.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri clarifies that Sergeant Ndlela's statement does not expressly dispute the version advanced by Witness A regarding bribery, but notes that the statement does not contain an allegation that investigators should accept bribery or any form of gratification.
“My statements should not be understood to suggest that Sergeant Ndlela expressly disputed the version advanced by Witness A. What I intended to convey was that Sergeant Ndlela's statement does not contain an allegation that prompted or suggested or insinuated that the investigators should accept bribery or any form of gratification.”
Lt-General Shibiri could not see itemized billing on his Vodacom phone and went to Vodacom to look for it; his phone does not show itemized billing for WhatsApp texts.
“I could not see them, hence I even went to Vodacom to look for the itemized billing. But I am not saying it does not remain, it does not show but on my phone I do not know where does it show”
Lt-General Shibiri confirmed that there was contact and calls between him and Mr Matlala up until a week before Mr Matlala's arrest in May 2025, including a last call on 9 May 2025 from him to Mr Matlala.
“you were calling him and he was calling you and the last call of 9 May 2025 is from you to him a week before his arrest”
Sergeant Daniel Motaung approached members seeking information about General Shibiri's relationship with Lieutenant General Sibiya, suggesting cooperation could lead to career advancement or promotion.
“Promis[es] of career advancement or promotion in exchange for providing adverse information concerning me. In particular, from information provided under oath by Sergeant Daniel Motaung indicated that he had been approached by members who sought information regarding my relationship with Lieutenant General Sibiya, suggested that career advancement could follow if he cooperated.”
General Shibiri confirms he has both his personal number and the numbers belonging to Sergeant Nkosi in WhatsApp chat records.
“You will see there appears two numbers. One is a number for Sergeant Nkosi, and the other number is your number. ... I confirm. ... I guess so. I confirm. ... That is correct.”
General Shibiri admits his phone recorded in WhatsApp chats as operational by 20 February 2025 contradicts his prior claim that it was replaced in March 2025 after being stolen.
“What this shows is that by the 20th of February, you had a device that was operational and you were already in communications on WhatsApp. ... So your version that you only got a replacement phone in March is not supported by the ... WhatsApp exchanges with Sergeant Nkosi.”
General Shibiri corrects his date for the replacement of his phone to late February or March 2025 based on the WhatsApp evidence presented.
“Yes, I would like to, but I only have a date because I was estimating that from the 8th of February when my instrument was stolen, it would be in March or end of February where I would purchase the current instrument. So based on this evidence here, I can change to that date.”
General Shibiri states he deletes WhatsApp messages periodically for storage purposes and some delete automatically, resulting in inability to provide requested WhatsApp chats to the Commission.
“As I indicated on my statement, now and then I delete my messages for storage purposes and sometimes it deletes itself when I forward for a certain period. ... My Cloud, my backup was not activated.”
Lieutenant General Shibiri advises caution in sharing certain articles as they might be used against recipients, though all SAPS members have seen them.
“I will phone him and then talk to him to say, as I said about this other one, to say, hey, be careful of these other things. If you send it to other people, then it might be used against you. But the rest, all SAPS members, they have seen it.”
General Shibiri acknowledges sending both positive and negative articles regarding certain individuals to Ngozi, with no positive articles among those sent regarding these individuals.
“You send on the same sort of, on the same individuals, negative articles. You send them to Ngozi, Ngozi sends them to you. And you would have heard in other evidence that the same articles are then also circulating between Sergeant Nkosi and General Sibiya.”
General Shibiri denies belonging to any faction within SAPS during his 38 years of service, asserting he will continue not to belong to any faction as he is about to exit the service.
“For the 38 years I had in the police, I never belonged to any faction. And I will never belong to a faction now because I am about to exit.”
General Shibiri sent one positive article about a person perceived as a menace who was arrested, specifically related to Musa Kawula.
“Yes, for the 38 years I had in the police, I never belonged to any faction. And ... I send one, one positive one to say a person whose eemed to be a menace is arrested. I think this is positive... relates to Musa Kawula.”
L T - G E N S H I B I R IDay 75 · 11 Mar 2026Refers to: period of police service
Mr Matlala was a victim who sought advice from General Shibiri, who advised opening a case and instructed Sergeant Nkosi to assist, but Sergeant Nkosi chose to act illegally and not open a case leading to Mr Matlala's eventual arrest in a separate case.
“Mr Matlala was a victim. ... I advised to open a case, and then I advised Nkosi to assist. But however, he chose to go illegally, not opening a case. Something else happened relating to the same person, and the case was opened and was arrested, and I was not aware of that part...”
Lt-General Shibiri was in the farms in Mpumalanga on 9 May 2025 during the last call to Mr Matlala, so he could not have phoned him then; but he acknowledged he might have phoned him.
“on the 9th, I was somewhere in the farms in Mpumalanga ... I do not see the reason why I could have phoned him. But I remember there was somebody who wanted to check with somebody from Mamelodi, but I am not sure, but I might have phoned him. I am not sure”
L T - G E N S H I B I R IDay 75 · 11 Mar 2026Refers to: 9 May 2025Location: Mpumalanga
Lt-General Shibiri testified that communication with Mr Matlala after January was limited strictly to work-related matters, following information that his name was being used by Mr Matlala.
“around January I got some information that my name was used by him somewhere and then I phoned him to say we must only talk about which is work related and I do not remember myself phoning him unless it was something which I wanted to ask in relation to work”
Lt-General Shibiri described his relationship with Mr Matlala as primarily work-related and operational, but also noted the relationship developed so Mr Matlala became like a younger brother and friend.
“you characterize it as primarily work-related relationship ... The relationship developed and he became like a younger brother and a friend”
Lt-General Shibiri acknowledged exchanging personal favors with Sergeant Nkosi, including receiving pictures of shoes and trainers and checking on his well-being.
“some chats are personal in nature ... Sergeant Nkosi sends you pictures of what looks like shoes, trainers ... sometimes check on him and you express concern over his biking”
Lt-General Shibiri explained he checked on Sergeant Nkosi during a police day event in Durban because he was worried about his safety riding a bike alone.
“we went to police day in KZN, in Durban. He came with a bike. I was flying. When I arrived, I phoned the whole night, he is not answering. So I was worried and he is driving alone, so hence I was so worried”
Lieutenant-General Dlamini clarifies that he was part of the team during April 2024 and had returned to head the organised crime component in December 2023; Sergeant Nkosi was reporting to him again from 2023.
“I came back to head the organised crime component in December 2023 and Sergeant Nkosi was reporting to you from 2023 until at least April 2024.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri was working with Sergeant Nkosi on an informant project to obtain search warrants for illicit cigarettes in Limpopo.
“there was an informant who came to me, and then I referred the informant to him so that he can follow up information... they were supposed to get search warrants to search for illicit cigarettes somewhere in Limpopo.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri expresses resentment about implications that he communicated personally with Musa Kawula, denying any personal knowledge or contact with him.
“I resent implications that I phoned Mr Kawula or spoken to Mr Kawula in any way. I do not know him. I do not have his phone. I never spoken to him.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri forwards articles to Sergeant Nkosi about Musa Kawula as part of relaying complaints and updates, including allegations of extortion against Musa Kawula.
“I was just relaying because initially I did forward him a complaint when there was an allegation of extortion. So that is why I sent those two.”
Articles about generals Khumalo, Mkhwanazi, Masemola predominate Lieutenant-General Shibiri's chats with Sergeant Nkosi, with only one article about General Mosikili.
“In your chats with Sergeant Nkosi... they are predominantly about Generals Khumalo, Mkhwanazi and Masemola. There is only one about General Mosikili.”
Mr Matlala is a special case given his friendship and financial loan relationship with General Shibiri, suggesting a particular interest by General Shibiri in his contract with SAPS.
“But General, what distinguishes Mr Matlala, ... he is your friend ... loaned you money. You take a particular interest in him. ... suggests you have a particular interest in his contract.”
General Shibiri admits he advised Mr Matlala to open a case regarding a situation and to seek assistance from Sergeant Nkosi, but states Sergeant Nkosi went about it illegally by not opening a case.
“My involvement when Matlala sought advice ... I advised to open a case, and then I advised Nkosi to assist. But however, he chose to go illegally, not opening a case.”
General Shibiri denies being part of General Sibiya's faction, stating his work-related interactions include the Minister, National Commissioner, and DIVCOM, implying he is perceived as a good worker rather than a faction member.
“I do not see anything to perceive me with General Sibiya because where he invited me to go, it was work-related. ... So, I must be perceived as a good worker rather than belonging to somebody.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri was aware of Mr Matlala's involvement and the R5 million benefit related to the Tembisa Hospital contract at the time the news broke.
“So, you were aware also of Mr Matlala's involvement and the R 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 benefit. Were you not? No, I indicated I was aware of the... I have seen it somewhere on the news... Yes ...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri was involved in the investigation of the murder of Ms Babita Deokaran and the burning of Tembisa Hospital and stated suspects were arrested but that Matlala was not linked at that time.
“I was personally involved and then we arrested the suspect and he was not part. So I was aware at that time...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri stated that he developed a particular interest in current affairs until around December 2023 but followed the Tembisa Hospital contract and murder news less often due to a heavier workload and ill health.
“Not to say I did not follow, Commissioner, but not often as like now when you are no longer having too much on your plate... Because of my ill health, I decided when they requested me to come back, I testified like that, that is why I came back to head office.”
There were multiple WhatsApp calls between Lt-Gen Shibiri and Mr. Matlala, with counts differing between 8 and 9 calls, indicating frequent communication, mostly initiated by Lt-Gen Shibiri.
“So, I counted 8 calls for me, 8 calls for Matlala, and there is one CF.”
The calls between Lt-Gen Shibiri and Mr. Matlala included detailed conversations, such as a 15-minute call on the 30th regarding a financial account and money.
“That was a 15-minute call. Yes, it was on the 30th, it was about the account.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri got upset that Mr. Matlala had told others, presumably policemen, that Lt-Gen Shibiri is his person or that he is affiliated with him.
“One of the reasons you were calling Mr Matlala was because he had dropped your name to some people. Yes. He had to told some people that he knew you, and that upset you.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri said the upset was because Mr. Matlala had told other policemen that Lt-Gen Shibiri is Mr. Matlala's person, which he found objectionable.
“That is correct, Commissioner. Yes, even to random, to say what he said, like his person or whatever, it would upset me. But that one, I was told in January.”
Sergeant Nkosi sent Lt-Gen Shibiri contact details of Mr Matlala because Mr Matlala was no longer using his phone and had no phones; Lt-Gen Shibiri had to provide the number to Mr Matlala.
“he sent me the phone number of Mr Matlala because I said Mr Matlala is no longer using the other number, his number. He does not have his phones. He said I must give him the number.”
Despite numerous calls starting the day after a specific operation and exchanges of Mr Matlala’s new contact details, it is unbelievable that Lt-Gen Shibiri and Sergeant Nkosi did not discuss the operation.
“it is unbelievable that with these many calls starting the day after the first operation of the then ending on the 20th of December... you and Sergeant Nkosi would not have discussed this operation. It is simply unbelievable.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri initially did not remember discussions about the operation or Mr Matlala’s phone but upon documentation said it happened and phone number was forwarded to him.
“I did not see this and I did not remember. The only way I can remember was that. ... I said on those days from the 5th until we were talking about my health and also suggesting to say where, which shop must I go ... On the 18th that is when he forwarded me the phone number of Mr Matlala indicating that he is no longer having his phone.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri knew Mr Matlala’s phone had been confiscated by police but only recalled this fact at the commission after documents were shown to him.
“I remember now it is the day where he said asked him to give my phone number to him because he does not have my phone since his phone was confiscated.”
Commission Chair rebuked Lt-Gen Shibiri for initially denying knowledge of facts about his relationship with Mr Matlala, despite having time to prepare and review documents.
“Chair has warned witnesses in this commission many times that when they are asked things that should be within their knowledge, first they deny them they claim not to know until they are shown documents and only then do they suddenly remember. You have known for a couple of months now that you will be coming to this commission to testify about your relationship with Mr Matlala.”
Mr Matlala had a lot going on in relation to him and SAPS in December and often approached Lt-Gen Shibiri with personal legal issues.
“in December Mr Matlala had a lot going on in relation to him and the SAPS and we know from your evidence that Mr Matlala approached you often with personal legal issues .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri never received a call from Mr Matlala during the period of the operations in December and was not given Mr Shibiri's phone number by Mr Matlala.
“I did not receive any call for that matter. And as it was being testified here, his phones were taken and he requested our phone numbers from a Sergeant Nkosi . I do not know what date . So I do not know if he, that time he did not phone me because he did not have my number or he did not have a phone or whatsoever. So I do not know whether I am being asked to comment on, but I was never phoned .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri phoned Witness A on 7th December after being called by General Sibiya when he was off sick, and again on 16th December before he returned to work on 18th December.
“Yes, on the 7th I phoned after I received the call when I was off sick because I was phoned by General Sibiya . On the 16th, I was about to go back to work on the 8th . Hence, I phone, that is what I said, I phoned Witness A .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri did not know about the 18th December operation before hearing of it in the Commission proceedings.
“And on the 30th , I did not know about the 18th , even though I have spoken to Witness A . And when I spoke to Mr Matlala, he never told me of any operation that happened to him . I do not know for what reason . So that is my answer.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri first heard about the 18th and 19th December operation before the Commission, from court news and police offices.
“On the 18th , I heard about it . Before the Commission , yes . I heard about it before the Commission . I cannot remember, but I heard they had court or something about that thing of the court . That is when I heard about it after the court , after the court , after about there was something . It was also on the news .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states he did not have WhatsApp and that communications with Sergeant Nkosi involved receiving WhatsApp messages but no discussions related to the raid were recalled.
“I did not have my WhatsApp ... our discussion with Nkosi was about medical treatment ... and on the 18th, he gave me the number to say here is the new number”
ADV Baloyi says it is improbable for Lt-Gen Shibiri and Sergeant Nkosi not to have discussed the raid on Mr Matlala shortly after it happened, given their positions and dealings.
“We are speaking about the improbability of you and Sergeant Nkosi not discussing the raid on Mr Matlala when you speak on the 7th, a day after that operation”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explains that the relatively short telephone calls with Mr Matlala were about checking if money was received and getting account numbers, and not about name dropping or discussing the search raid.
“I phoned somebody. I am angry. I am telling him about what he has done ... he is telling me he is going to phone me back...”
According to call records on 24 January, Lt-Gen Shibiri had several short calls with Mr Matlala, with durations from 0 to 45 seconds, indicating brief communication attempts rather than lengthy discussions.
“when you look at the calls that you had with Mr Matlala on the 24th, you will see that the first call, which was at 10:06, was 45 seconds. The second call at 10:28 was 34 seconds...then at 1 o'clock, it is a 38-second call”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states the delay in responses in calls was because Mr Matlala was trying to get back to him and other people regarding police statements, and he was angry and conveyed this to Mr Matlala during calls.
“I phoned somebody. I am angry. I am telling him about what he has done ... he is telling me he is going to phone me back ... So it is not something where you will understand when you are angry. You go straight to the point and tell the person”
Lt-Gen Shibiri acknowledges he never got a retraction or clear answer from the person who told him what Mr Matlala allegedly said, and he left the matter unresolved.
“I never got any answer until I think the 7th, but he denied the thing... I left it like that”
Lt-Gen Shibiri recounts telephone call exchanges with Mr Matlala around early February, including calls where one party called and the other did not answer, and a 30-minute discussion following a call back.
“On the 7th of February at 11:45, he calls you and there is no answer. And then at 13:31, you call him and you proceed to have a conversation of 30 minutes”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits that the money taken from CAT VIP Protection was used for the repair of his son's car, but the repairs took longer than expected because parts had to be repurchased multiple times.
“I was also angry saying you are giving girls money whereas I borrowed money for fixing the car. So yes, I am sure. Because it even took longer than we expected because these mechanics, sometimes other money gets out. You have to go and buy again.”
Adv Pooe presents a document showing transactions for the repair of Lt-Gen Shibiri's son's car, indicating payments from CAT VIP Protection including R70000 and specific repair costs.
“You will see the transaction ... it was paid from CAT VIP Protection ... that is the 70000 ... the next payment that you highlighted for us is a payment of R2800 for headlights ... R25000 for a tow truck ... R8530 ... the total, we will take into account the R875 ... in September the total amount covered for the repairs was R37000 ... in October, yes, even the R8000 would be in October ... you would have been able to cover these costs.”
LT-Gen Shibiri explains that the repair involved multiple payments and that parts had to be bought gradually because the car took more than three months in repairs due to major damage including airbags.
“Because some of the things, they cannot be done at the same time because you are waiting for the car to be painted ... also there were... airbags which were out ... It is not done in the same time. So the car took longer therefore more than three months being in there. So it was a major damage, that is why.”
Adv Khumalo points out that Lt-Gen Shibiri needed to show that he actually needed and spent the loan of R70000 for his son's vehicle repair at the time the loan was taken, not 18 months later.
“You need a loan of R70000 because your son needed to fix his vehicle. So when you show us these things, you must show us that I needed R70000 for my son's vehicle and he spent R70000 fixing his vehicle. It does not assist 18 months later to say to us, these things take three months, but you are not able to show us that the money you took from CAT VIP Services was used for that purpose.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri apologizes and offers that his son will write a step-by-step account to show how the money was used for the vehicle repair, acknowledging he did not anticipate a blow-by-blow account.
“My apologies. May the Commissioner be given time to go and then my son to write everything which was done and to show where it was done and so forth? Because maybe what clouded me was that the money went there and you can see to start to finish what was used.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states that the R25000 was paid for labour by the panel beater who was fixing the car, and explained that the labor was paid separately from the parts which had to be bought and provided incrementally.
“The R25000 was for labour, which was paid to him. So I then advise to say, no, if you give this person the whole amount, we have got a history of these people not fixing the car. Go and buy the parts yourself, and then as and when they are fixing, then you bring them the parts.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits he paid Mr Matlala at the same time as a transaction involving cows sold on his behalf, contradicting a suggestion that the upfront money had been paid in cash without records.
Lt-Gen Shibiri states that the money from the sale of cows in Limpopo was brought by his sister's daughter, not by him, and explains it was not deposited into an account because his sister is not used to handling such money: she is unemployed and stays at home.
“My sister's daughter, she came with the money... because they are not used to such money... My sister. She is not working, staying at home alone.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri denies hiding money by directing payments from Mr Matlala to his son's bank account, insisting all transactions are traceable as both share the surname Shibiri.
“No, I was not hiding anything. Your account will always show where you deposed the money and the surname will show. He is Shibiri, I am Shibiri, so there is no way to conceal it.”
Advocate Baloyi suggests the payment into Lt-Gen Shibiri's son's account was intended to hide the origin of money paid from Mr Matlala to Lt-Gen Shibiri, which Shibiri denies.
“I am trying to put to you is the payment into your son's account was to hide that Mr Matlala gave money to you. That is the suggestion...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits it is understandable investigators would check family ties and money movement to verify loan repayments to Mr Matlala, asserting transparency in the transactions.
“If you investigate, there will be investigation to my relation with you to check if you gave me money or not... that is how the investigation goes. So there is no way you could miss that.”
Advocate Khumalo points out that payments from Lt-Gen Shibiri were not made directly to Mr Matlala but to one of Mr Matlala's companies, to a company account rather than his personal account, using a generic reference 'Shibiri'.
“Even your payment is not a direct payment to Mr Matlala. It is a payment to one of his companies... And the reference you use is not even Matlala. You simply say Shibiri.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri indicated he had one meeting with Mr Matlala in 2023, and one in 2024 at the son's engagement, but later recalled the repayment meeting at the offices was another meeting in 2024.
“in 2023 you met once, and then in 2024 you met once, and that was at the son's engagement... So now you are saying that the repayment was done in person at his offices, so that would be another meeting.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri and ADV POOE discussed WhatsApp chats dated 25 November 2024 showing interaction involving Sergeant Nkosi sending payment-related images to Lt-Gen Shibiri for Medicare 24 invoices.
“We are at the WhatsApp chats at page 39... There is interaction on the 25th of November... Sergeant Nkosi sends you three pictures... I think it is the invoice for payment for Medicare 24.”
Sergeant Nkosi forwarded messages indicating payment was made on 24 November 2024 but likely to be deposited the next day, and Lt-Gen Shibiri asked about the amount paid.
“Sergeant Nkosi sends to you a message that says: 'Yes, it is paid on 24 November 2024, but deposited into account probably tomorrow'... Your response is: 'What is the amount paid?'”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explains he asked Sergeant Nkosi about payment because Mr Matlala called asking if SAPS had paid him and payment was not reflecting in the bank account, but he said he could not interfere in that field.
“I also asked him because Matlala, I think the previous day, phoned asking if I could assist because SAPS always shows they paid him... The money is not reflecting in the bank and I indicated to him that that is beyond me. I cannot interfere in that field.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri indicated Sergeant Nkosi sent similar payment messages to him but never to Lt-Gen Shibiri directly; he declined to assist with the payment issue.
“I was surprised to see Nkosi also sending the same thing but he never sent anything to me. He asked by mouth to say it is reflecting now and then... Can I assist in that regard? I said no, I will not be able to.”
The repayment meeting with Mr Matlala at his office was before the payment issues communicated by Sergeant Nkosi and Lt-Gen Shibiri.
“So just in context, General, was this before or after you were at his office to repay him the R2000? No, it was after because I said I went there early.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri says he was called by Matlala asking for assistance with the contract payments related to the invoices shortly before the screenshots were sent, but he could not help.
“Mr Matlala called you to request assistance in relation to the contract... a call with Mr Matlala the day before the screenshots were sent wherein he was asking you a favour related to the payment of those very invoices.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states in his statement he was unaware of the name of Mr Matlala's company until he was sent screenshots in November 2024, despite knowing of the contract since September 2024.
“you had no involvement in procurement, adjudication, approval, negotiation and administration of the contract... you became aware of the contract in September 2024 and you did not know the name of Mr Matlala’s company until you received the screenshots in November.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri did not disclose in his statement that Mr Matlala had called him for assistance regarding payment of invoices the day before the screenshots were sent.
“when asked about the contract, you do not tell us this (the call from Matlala) in your statement... when asked about the screenshots, you say they followed after a conversation you had the day before with Mr Matlala where he was asking for assistance for the payment of these screenshots/invoices but you do not say this in your statement.”
ADV Khumalo questioned why Lt-Gen Shibiri did not mention the call from Mr Matlala in the statement despite mentioning the screenshots, suggesting incomplete disclosure.
“Why did you not mention in your statement that the day before Nkosi sent you the screenshots, Matlala had called asking for assistance in relation to the payment of his invoices?”
Lt-Gen Shibiri said the statement was rectified many times due to many redrafts, editing and duplications, potentially explaining omissions.
“The statement was rectified many times... I drafted, it was edited, and then we have to redraft... there were many duplications and so forth because of not having a typist.”
Lt Gen Shibiri states that the bank account for a payment was provided by Matlala, and the payment reference showing Shibiri's name was an honest mistake.
“I requested an account, and I am given an account by Matlala and that is the account I paid in...My mistake is to make the reference myself instead of saying Matlala...that was my mistake and it is an honest mistake.”
Adv Pooe states that Lt Gen Shibiri testified he needed money and Matlala offered to advance it if Shibiri did not come right.
“General, if you have regard, you testified that at the party when you had a conversation with Mr Matlala about this, you indicate to him that you had a need for the money...And he had indicated that if you do not come right, he will advance you that money.”
Adv Pooe uses bank statements to show Lt Gen Shibiri had positive balances during June to December 2024 when money was paid by Matlala, arguing Shibiri did not need the loan.
“...you will see this section has a series of your bank accounts between June to December...And in particular...when Mr Matlala paid you or paid the amount to your son...you would see a positive balance...So you did indeed have the money...So you did not require the loan.”
Lt Gen Shibiri claims he is not involved with the SAPS contract held by Matlala and does not deal with contracts or supply chain matters.
“I have nothing to do with the contract. I do not deal with the contracts and I think even if it comes to the integrity, it deals with those who are in supply chain...So for me ...”
Adv Pooe challenges Shibiri's claim that it is not wrong to take money from a contractor because he is not in the supply chain and that the loan was not disclosed as required by employment regulations.
“General, is your suggestion that there would be nothing wrong with taking money from a contractor as general within SAPS because you are not in supply chain?...And despite...this is precisely because where there is a relationship...you may be able to gain some benefit from a contractor...did you disclose this loan?”
Lt Gen Shibiri admits he did not disclose the loan, only gifts are disclosed according to him, despite regulations requiring disclosure of loans and benefits.
“No, we disclose gifts, not loans...I cannot benefits something which I pay back.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits to a mistake of not checking the date of a quotation and relied on his son for the information that R55,000 was the cost quoted by JBI for a panel beater fix.
“It was my mistake. I did not check the date, but that is what I was informed by my son on the 12th.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri confirms the R55,000 figure does not include labour, and the actual paid labour cost was R25,000 with parts bought separately due to risk of non-delivery by the panel beater.
“It was including even the labour. And I indicated that we paid him the labour of R25000 and opted to buy the parts ourselves because sometimes they will take the money and then the parts do not come.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states that insurance repudiated responsibility for fixing the car, so the R55,000 figure was not an insurance quote but was provided verbally through his son.
“No, no. Not insurance. Insurance did not offer anything. Our insurance said they are not responsible for fixing the car.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri sought a loan based on an initial R55,000 quotation but requested a 'cushion' amount increasing it to R70,000 for additional financial comfort.
“Based on the R55000 which your son has told you about. And you have already decided, let me cushion myself and go up to R70000.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri acknowledges that the second quotation dated 19 September 2024 was only received after the loan had already been requested, explaining that it was the proper written quotation for R53,000 replacing the prior verbal R55,000 figure.
“Vehicle is taken there and then that estimate of R55000 is given to him. The quotation is not yet given to him. Then it was issued on the 19th. That is my answer.”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI acknowledges the concern about fraternisation between criminals and senior police officers and asserts his personal track record in dealing with such issues.
“I do share your concern. And I work hard also to deal with that kind of thing. Nevertheless, what happened on my side, my track record will indicate.”
Loan request of R70000 by LT-GEN SHIBIRI from Mr Matlalatole was supported by a quotation related to the actual cost of repairs.
“I assume you would not have done at thumb-suck when you asked Mr Matlalatole to lend you the R70000. The loan would have related to the actual cost of repairs.”
The quotation for the car repairs referenced was dated 19 September 2024, five days after the loan was requested on 14 September 2024, raising questions about timing and loan justification.
“the quotation is dated the 19th of September 2024 , which is five days after the day you asked for the loan... how then could this quotation have helped inform the amount of the loan which was asked for five days previously?”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI explains the discrepancy in the quotation date by stating the quotation was issued late, and that the cost of R55000 was the amount quoted to him prior to the official issuance.
“the quotation was issued later on. But I knew it was R55000 what was quoted for him”
LT-GEN SHIBIRI states the vehicle was moved by OUTsurance from their storage and he can source a letter to confirm this, and that the quotation is consistent with the R55000 amount discussed.
“Actually, it was taken by OUTsurance from their storage to there. I think I can source a letter from them also to confirm that, but it was indicated to me by my son that it is R55000 quotation”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states that he knew Sergeant Nkosi was sending answers himself because he is not working in finance and it would be interference if Shibiri had intervened.
“And I indicated even before that Nkosi whatever is talking with somebody or whatever is sending, and that is why he was sending even the answers himself. Because if I asked him, I should have asked him on the 24th to say go, and I could not ask Nkosi because Nkosi is not working at finance, and I indicate that it would be interference from me.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits he asked about the amount paid through curiosity but does not know why Nkosi sent the information to him; he thinks Nkosi got it from or spoke to Mr Matlala.
“So it is true that I asked the amount through curiosity, but I do not know why Nkosi sent this to me, but I thought he got it from Matlala or he was with Matlala or speaking with Matlala when he sent this thing.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states he did not warn Sergeant Nkosi not to get involved with SAPS service providers or payment issues because he does not know why the communication happened.
“I do not know, that he just showed him, he shows me out of him liking posting things, I do not know. But I know he can access these things.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits that on his version Mr Matlala was discussing payment issues with Sergeant Nkosi even though it was not Nkosi's job because he does not work in finance.
“Which means on your version, Matlala is discussing the issue of payments with Nkosi. And on your version, that is not Nkosi's job because Nkosi does not work in finance.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri says he reprimanded a person for sending a confidential one-year preliminary report via chat, explaining it could cause problems and is not allowed to be sent.
“I reprimanded him about this one … The one year preliminary report which is confidential, that is the one I was saying, I reprimanded him to say, whoever is sending you this will put you into problem because you cannot send this one.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states it is too bad the contract was found to be fraudulent and is going to be terminated, involving SAPS and Mr Matlala.
“It is too bad that the contract is found to be fraudulent and is going to be terminated. And we talked about this. Remember I indicated to say some of the things I was sending to him was to say, but this guy, it might be a problem in certain things. And this is in March ‘22 ... It is too bad because it involves the police and himself, himself being done a criminal act and the police also afforded him without not doing due diligence.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states it is too bad the contract termination involved SAPS and Mr Matlala, and SAPS was involved in awarding the contract.
“It is too bad what is happening. It involves both SAPS and him, and then SAPS also, they are involved in the awarding of these things. So it will not be only him.”
Adv Pooe suggests that Lt-Gen Shibiri's expression that the contract termination was 'too bad for SAPS' indicates a negative view of SAPS's involvement, but Shibiri maintains it is about the contract's fraudulent nature, not SAPS blame.
“General, when you do respond to say that it is too bad for SAPS, you actually do say that, you say this is bad, this is not a good look for SAPS. ... It does not seem likely that this was directed at the SAPS part. It is more likely that it is directed at the contract that you and Sergeant Nkosi were trying to assist Mr Matlala with.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri accepts that Mr Matlala knows his position in SAPS and that Matlala is aware Shibiri has nothing to do with procurement or payment issues.
“He is your friend. He obviously knows that you are head of Organised Crime and you have nothing to do with procurement issues, with payment issues. He knows that, right?”
Lieutenant General Shibiri was asked for assistance with a matter unrelated to his official portfolio, suggesting the requester believed Shibiri was a friend or a contact who could help with issues beyond his normal scope, including finance.
“he thinks you are his friend or connection ? You say the language you used was he has got a person inside . Just from the request itself , that he thinks you are a person that can assist him about matters that have nothing to do with your portfolio .”
Lieutenant General Shibiri admitted that the requester told others at Shibiri's house on the 6th that Shibiri was his person, insinuating a close relationship.
“when there was that operation at his house, on the 6th , he told people , he seemed to have said that you are his person .”
Lieutenant General Shibiri received a confidential internal audit report from the requester on 22 March 2025 and reprimanded him the next morning on 23 March 2025 at 10:30 am for sending it.
“The following day is the 23rd of March 025 , at 10 : 30 in the morning . All you say to him is , good morning , is too bad . So when did your reprimand him for sending you what is clearly a confidential internal audit report ?”
Lieutenant General Shibiri confirmed he did reprimand the requester possibly face to face because they were in the same building, but was cautious not to admit lying.
“I think only of this , we might have spoken face to face because we are in the same building . But I do not want to say that because it will seem that I am lying .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri testifies that Mr Matlala and Sergeant Nkosi are close, and Nkosi sometimes contacts him when with Matlala seeking police-related advice.
“I have already testified that they are close and sometimes Nkosi could phone me being with him and maybe it is for that reason”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits forwarding Mr Matlala's requests to Sergeant Nkosi for assistance, seeing it as a request for police advice and help, including possible entrapment operations.
“I said he was asking for an advice what can he do and that is what I testified about that from time to time he would do so. He would phone me asking for advice for certain things which needs police... then I advise that you can go to the police station and open a case, then we can do entrapment for that particular person”
Mr Matlala requested Sgt Nkosi's help; Lt-Gen Shibiri facilitated that by calling Nkosi to assist Matlala personally, using his police position and friendship.
“He speaks to you, his friend, about the same period that he is advancing loans to you and then he picks ... he tells you I want Nkosi to help me and you say Nkosi go help”
Lt-Gen Shibiri defends his conduct stating sending officers as help to complainants is normal practice and that Nkosi and Matlala are personally known to each other.
“Other than that, it is not the first that I send members from head office to go and take statement or assist anybody who is complaining. I usually do that”
Mr Matlala benefits by making requests to Lt-Gen Shibiri who obliges by instructing Sgt Nkosi to assist Matlala, evidencing a corrupt friendship where Matlala advances loans to Shibiri.
“He tells you I want Nkosi to help me and you say Nkosi go help... He is not just a friend, he is your subordinate”
Lt-Gen Shibiri described Musa Khawula as a problematic person subject to arrest, based on media reports, not personal police knowledge.
“It seems he is a problematic person... You identified him as a problem on the basis of what you know because the rest of it is in the media according to you”
Advocate Baloyi SC suggests that Lt-Gen Shibiri has a problematic relationship with Mr Matlala, and that Shibiri's interest in Mr Khawula is because Mr Khawula is causing problems for Shibiri's friend Mr Matlala.
“your particular interest in Mr Khawula, even as you share the media bits about him, it is because of the trouble that he is giving or threatening to your friend”
Advocate Baloyi SC asserts that Mr Matlala sends media information about Mr Khawula to Lt-Gen Shibiri because he expects Shibiri to do something about it, and Shibiri does share this information with Sergeant Nkosi.
“Mr Matlala sends it to you because he expects you to do something for him about it, and you do. You say to Nkosi, look at this.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri explains that the person using Khawula's name to extort was usually a journalist pretending to be an intermediary, not Khawula himself.
“The person who was wanted to extort was somebody using the name of Khawula... it was somebody who was acting as an intermediary, and pretending to be a journalist... whom Khawula gave information to publish, whom for him not to publish, he must get something and also Khawula to pay Khawula something.”
Advocate Baloyi SC challenges Shibiri that he did not know about Khawula's cybercrime, crimen injuria, or murder, and that he only saw media reports and forwarded them to Sergeant Nkosi because Khawula was a menace troubling Matlala.
“You did not know anything about the cybercrime thing that he has done wrong, I knew about the crimen injuria, I knew about the murder. You have testified that you knew nothing about it, you just saw it in the newspaper, and you just forwarded it... because he is a menace, and that is why I was sending this to Nkosi.”
Baloyi argues Shibiri forwards media reports he is not involved with, no one spoke to him about, and shares them with Sergeant Nkosi because the media subject is troubling Matlala, showing a problematic relationship where Matlala uses Shibiri and others as insiders.
“you forwards stuff that you are not involved with, no one has spoken to you about... because this is the man or the person who is troubling Matlala... and that is the only basis on which you could call him a menace. It is because he is troubling your friend... there is that problematic relationship where you have branded someone about Matlala... applying to Matlala applies to Nkosi... he is innocent until proven guilty... all you know is he is part of those people that are threatening Matlala and you use your position”
Lt-Gen Shibiri testifies that he assisted Mr Matlala in line with his duties, and instructing a member to assist any member of the public irrespective of friendship is routine and not undue influence.
“As a law enforcement... whatever I assisted, I assisted him in line of my duties... instructing a member to assist any member of public irrespective of a friend... is not an influence. We do this daily.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri says Mr Matlala approached him to seek help with his personal legal problems and offered him a loan despite serious allegations against Matlala including criminality; Shibiri felt displeasure when the contract was cancelled and that there was infiltration compromising the institution through gradual compromise but denies criminal undermining or corruption.
“Mr Matlala approaches to talk and seek problem solutions relating to his personal legal problems. He offers a loan knowing the serious allegations against him and the fact that he is a contractor. He seeks help with the contract... you took an interest particularly in the amount paid. You indicated displeasure when the contract was cancelled... there was infiltration... but no criminal syndicate undermining or bribery or evidence destruction.”
Mr Matlala has been known to the witness since 2016, and their relationship has evolved over time, with early stages being acceptable but now considered unacceptable due to current circumstances.
“I indicated I have been known to Matlala since 2016 ... based on the current status, it is unacceptable, but when we started, all these things were not there or were not known whatsoever.”
The witness denies having done anything unlawful and claims assisting people and complainants legally is part of his duty.
“Actually ... if I have done something unlawful, I will agree ... But where I am standing, I have done nothing unlawful other than doing something lawful in assisting somebody, assisting a complainant ... I was doing my legal duty.”
