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.”
Sergeant Ndlela provided Lt-Gen Shibiri with an unsigned prepared statement which had been given to him prior to any oath being administered, suggesting possible pre-prepared testimonies.
“Sergeant Ndlela had personally handed to me an unsigned document which he explained had been given to him as a prepared statement for signature. That document already contained timed statement in an affidavit form and eventually been prepared in advance.”
An affidavit attributed to Sergeant Ndlela dated 8 July 2025 was submitted late to the Commission and raises questions about its timing and why it was not produced earlier.
“I have now noted that an affidavit attributed to Sergeant Ndlela dated 8 July 2025 which did not form part of the original statement disclosed when the investigators' affidavits were first presented to the Commission has recently been submitted before the Commission and appears to have signed one day after the affidavit of Sergeant Ndlela he had previously provided to me. The timing of the appearance of this affidavit raises questions as to why a statement was signed on the 8th and was not placed before the Commission earlier together with other statements obtained from members involved in the investigation.”
The Commission is being informed about the existence of a prepared unsigned affidavit and a subsequently signed affidavit by Sergeant Ndlela, raising questions about the independence and reliability of the statement.
“The existence of the prepared unsigned affidavit together with the later appearance of signed affidavit containing materially similar contents raises a question as to whether statements ultimately placed before the Commission may have been prepared in advance and subsequently executed by the deponent. I place these facts before the Commission so that it may consider whether the circumstances surrounding the preparation and execution of the affidavit may have any bearing on the independence and reliability of the statement.”
An affidavit by Sergeant Ndlela was sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths at Diepkloof on 8 July 2025, but there is a discrepancy as to the official address of the Commissioner raising doubts about the proper administration of the oath.
“The juried records that the statement was sworn before Commissioner of Oaths at Diepkloof on the 8th of July, 2025 at 6h00. However, details appearing beneath the signature of oath reflect that the official's business address record as Headquarters 284 Pretoria Street, Pretoria, AAT. It therefore appears to indicate that it was sworn at Diepkloof while the Commissioner of Oaths details appeared to be documented at SAPS Headquarters in Pretoria. I do not know under what circumstances the affidavit was commissioned or whether the Commissioner of Oaths was physically present at the location stated in the...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri alleges that certain South African Police members may have been approached and potentially induced with promises of career advancement or promotion in exchange for providing information concerning him.
“I recorded consent that certain members of the South African Police may have been approached and potentially induced with promises of career advancement or promotion in exchange in advance information concerning me.”
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.”
Witness A was promoted from Sergeant to Warrant Officer around 3 March 2026, raising questions about timing and circumstances.
“It appears that until as recently as 3 March 2026, Witness A held the rank of Sergeant, that he has since been promoted. ... the timing and circumstances surrounding such promotion may warrant careful examination.”
L T General Shibiri states he does not begrudge any legitimate career progression in the South African Police Service but highlights concerns about members being approached or encouraged to provide adverse information in relation to career progression.
“I do not begrudge any member of South Africa's Police Service legitimate career progression. However, in light of the concerns already raised regarding possibility that members may have been approached or encouraged to provide adverse information, ...”
L T General Shibiri affirms commitment to cooperating fully with the Commission and assisting it in establishing the truth regarding matters under investigation.
“I remain committed to cooperating fully with the Commission and to assisting it in establishing the truth regarding the matters under the investigation.”
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 Sibiri stated that he went to Vodacom and the cyber office to get WhatsApp data but they could not help him, contradicting the suggestion that he chose not to provide WhatsApp messages.
“I indicated on my statement that I went to Vodacom and they could not help me. And I went to our cyber office, also, they could not help me. I indicated even the name of the Colonel I spoken to. So not to say I chosen not to.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri acknowledged that though the option to provide devices for data retrieval was available, nobody requested it, and he did not offer it despite a request for WhatsApp messages.
Vodacom only provides itemized billing for calls and SMS, and cannot assist with WhatsApp message retrieval.
“Vodacom could only help you with itemized billing which would be your calls and your SMS's. They were not going to be able to assist you with WhatsApp.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri stated that his 071 number phone was stolen in February 2025, but WhatsApp messages on that number show communications in October 2025, creating a discrepancy.
“Your 071 number was stolen in February 2025 and yet the WhatsApp messages indicate that you were communicating in October on this same number.”
There was an interruption in WhatsApp communications from Sibiri's 071 phone between 8th and 20th February 2025, consistent with his version that the phone was lost and then replaced.
“If you go to that conversation on the 8th, you will see that there is a place where it stops communications... It is only on the 20th where conversations resume... That accords with the version that there is some interruption of his usage between the 8th and the 20th.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri periodically deleted WhatsApp messages including from his work number, and although some messages remain, he did not provide those messages.
“I periodically deleted messages as well, even on your work number. Yes, but there is some few messages... No ... Maybe I was clouded by that thing that all the, all, most of my WhatsApp messages were deleted, but they are still here, those few messages.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri stated he did not recall sending or receiving WhatsApp messages to Mr Matlala after his phone was repaired, on either his work or private phones.
“To the best of your recollection, you do not recall receiving or sending WhatsApp messages to Mr Matlala after the phone was repaired. On my work phone, but on the private phone I remember I phoned, I did not send a message.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri confirmed that the 071 number is his number and that he had WhatsApp message downloads from Mr Matlala's phone.
“That is correct. And the second number there is that of Mr Matlala. I will agree. And these are downloads, these are WhatsApp downloads from Mr Matlala's phone.”
There were several phone calls exchanged between Lt-Gen Sibiri and Mr Matlala from December 30, 2024 through 2025 across both phones.
“Starting from the 30th of December 2024 ... And then you see ... there was quite a few calls between you and Mr Matlala on that phone ... He calls you on the 23rd of January ... You call him on the 24th of January ... He calls you or returns your call on the 24th and then you call him again on the same day ... That is, and then he calls you and you call him ... Yes, and that is 2025 ... There was quite a few calls between you and Mr Matlala on that phone.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri confirmed that after he fixed his phone in February and April 2025, he does not recall calling Mr Matlala on his official phone but admits contact was maintained via his private phone.
“After I have fixed my phone I do not recall calling him on my official phone. But this is my private phone and you have corrected me that by the 20th of February I bought another phone. I thought by March ...”
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”
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 acknowledges a close relationship with Sergeant Nkosi and admits that Nkosi does personal favors for him and his family.
“from the chats that you have a very close relationship with the Sergeant and that from the chats it is evident that he does personal favours for you, and in this case for your family”
Lieutenant-General Dlamini states that the favor sought by Sergeant Nkosi was for his daughter, but denies that a formal application was made and that his daughter was under employment and did not require the favor.
“the favour sought is for my daughter. And he speaks to my daughter and they exchange whatever... what is written here is not even the truth because my daughter is working and he was working even that time... And some of what is written here is indeed incorrect because it never happened that to my daughter. And she was under employment... she wanted other employments somewhere.”
Lieutenant-General Dlamini denies knowing Umashi Dlamini Metro, who is known to Sergeant Nkosi, and states this person was the Deputy Chief of Police in Tshwane.
“I do not even know the person. The person is known to Sergeant Nkosi, not to me... It is the Deputy Chief of Police in Tshwane.”
Sergeant Nkosi shares work-related information such as CCTV footage, videos of a car involved in an incident, and pictures of suspects with Lieutenant-General Dlamini via chat.
“Sergeant Nkosi sends you, what is contained in those MP4 files is CCTV footage... about five videos and that is followed by still shots of the car that was involved in that incident, and more videos as well as pictures of the suspect... this is the kind of information that you also exchanged.”
Lieutenant-General Dlamini confirms that Sergeant Nkosi provides live updates with photos and location details during operations, even if he is under arrest or in custody.
“Sergeant Nkosi is one person, he can ask you where are you. He will check the picture of the building in front of you and send it to you to show where he is before he can explain anything... He is under arrest or whatever, whatever he is doing... He will go there, when he do not find anybody, he will even take the photo of the house and send it to you... He will be sharing with you all the way...”
Lieutenant-General Dlamini describes sharing information about a vehicle theft case and suspects being arrested in Polokwane with Sergeant Nkosi and a group chat to enable faster reaction.
“Here it was a vehicle stolen, the Prado of Mr Mandla Mandelain a shopping centre... Fortunately, the vehicle was recovered in Limpopo and suspects are arrested there... We have also a group chat where we share this kind of informations... so that they can react faster... when we receive this kind of assistance to say there is this and what have happened.”
Lieutenant-General Dlamini received updates from Sergeant Nkosi about activity on the Messina case and shared pictures of vehicles and weapons.
“he is sharing information related to a Messina case... Sometimes I will share in our chat which we are having as members, or members of his team and myself... sometimes he will send directly to myself... when I ask where was he when he was busy working on this matter, he will send me what he is doing... he sends you more pictures of vehicles and weapons.”
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.”
Brigadier Ramangwa led a special team within the DNC responsible for operations dealing with organized crime, and personnel could be used across units with permission.
“He was under the component, but operationally, he was under Brigadier Ramangwa's special team, which was reporting under the DNC.”
Travel advances are given and must be claimed back within 7 days, or else deducted from salary as a debt if not claimed back in time.
“When you go, they give you standing advance money... When you come back, you must claim it back to be paid or else, if a certain duration passes, 7 days, then they create a debt and take from your money.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri gave work-related instructions such as meeting invitations to the National Organized Crime Secretariat (NOCS) for forwarding to stakeholders.
“When I am not working from the office, and there is urgent document, they will send him to bring form to sign... the NOCS is National Organized Crime Secretariat, which I am chairing on... the meeting was for the coming, they were supposed to, I signed. He was supposed to give to Brigadier... to forward to the stakeholders in time so that they can read the previous minutes before the date... so it was work-related.”
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.”
There was tension between Generals in the national office, including issues related to General Khan's disciplinary proceedings which involved taking the department to the Labour Court and allegations related to Generals Mkhwanazi and Khumalo.
“The tensions between Generals in the national office... it was related to General Khan's disciplinary proceedings... He had taken the department to the Labour Court... allegations related to Generals Mkhwanazi and Khumalo and witnesses expected to testify therein.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri stated that the sharing of social media messages and articles among SAPS members about departmental conflicts is tarnishing the image of SAPS.
“this thing is turning ugly and dragging through the integrity of SAPS into disrepute”
Lt-Gen Sibiri stated that Sergeant Nkosi shares information received from senior officers and that this helped him stay informed without involving himself in conflicts.
“some of the information which he will share to me, I believe he got them from most senior officers because he is close to a lot of them. And sometimes I even asked him, are you an agent or who are you, because you can access anything from all these senior officers... So hence it was handy for me that I would know also what is happening... so that I know my lane, that I do not put myself in the mix of anything.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri acknowledged that there are groupings or divisions among officers within the SAPS, but that not all information shared about them is true.
“I know there were groupings of officers in the , within the SAPS, then he, I said yes, I know that there were those. So not necessarily whatever is written there, it might be true or not true.”
Lt-Gen Sibiri shared various negative and disparaging articles about specific SAPS personnel, including ones related to General Masemola, General Khumalo, Mr Matlala, and others.
“in the main, what is shared is only negative and disparaging articles about specific people within the SAPS... all those from page 116 all the way to 26 is basically that article related to General Mosikili... there is a very long piece on Mr Matlala and various allegations that have been made against him or incidents that were linked to him... there is an article related to the PKT and the implication of police officers in the killing of Sindiso Magaqa... there are allegations made against General Khumalo”
Lt-Gen Sibiri acknowledged seeing a breaking news article about Generals Masemola and Khumalo for the first time and inquired about its truthfulness on the morning his cell phone was stolen.
“This was the first time I saw it. That is why I asked, is it true... This was the morning when your cell phone was stolen”
Sergeant Nkosi sent Lt-Gen Sibiri multiple articles via chat messages concerning General Masemola, Lt-Gen Khumalo, Mr Matlala's tender, the Tembisa hospital scandal, the death of Babita Deokaran, the cancellation of Mr Matlala's tender, and an internal SAPS audit related to it.
“Sergeant Nkosi sends you an article related to... General Masemola and Lt-Gen Khumalo... Mr Matlala's tender... linked to the Tembisa hospital scandal and the death of Babita Deokaran... media enquiry related to the tender and cancellation of the tender, as well as an internal audit conducted by SAPS”
There are longstanding allegations against Mr Matlala dating back to 2005 connected to various incidents.
“very long piece on Mr Matlala and various allegations that have been made against him or incidents that were linked to him stemming as far back as 2005”
Articles shared with Lt-Gen Sibiri allege police officers' implication in the killing of Sindiso Magaqa and make allegations against General Khumalo.
“article related to the PKT and the implication of police officers in the killing of Sindiso Magaqa... there are allegations made against General Khumalo”
Media articles related to four themes involving generals and Musa Kawula were shared, including General Khan's disciplinary issues, General Khumalo and Masemola, Mr. Matlala and his contract, and issues about Musa Kawula's arrest or warrant.
“The media articles that I found related to, on one is the issue of General Khan and his disciplinary. Two, General Khumalo and, to a lesser extent, General Masemola. Three, Mr Matlala and his contract. Four, they relate to the arrest or warrant against Musa Kawula.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri confirms the existence of adverse news and stories within the police about disciplinary and legal matters, which were widely circulated through official communication channels and known among members.
“Adverse news which are out there about the police... they have been talked in the corridors... There is nothing we can do about it other than sharing it... It is not something which is happening between members only. It is there. It exists on daily basis.”
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.”
Lieutenant-General Shibiri is aware that Mr Matlala is related to Sergeant Nkosi and occasionally discusses issues about him, particularly leading into January 2025, and cautions to be careful as there is a lot of writing about Matlala without events happening.
“Mr Matlala is known to Sergeant Nkosi and they seem to be friends. There is some times where we did discuss, more especially when coming to January 2025 coming down, that it can be that there is a lot of writing about this person without anything happening. So, we need to be careful around him.”
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.”
General Sibihiri explains that Sergeant Nkosi shares information from many senior officers making him a conduit to multiple sources, thus justifying the sharing of articles.
“Sergeant Nkosi is close to lots of senior officers, and whatever information he is getting, he will share with me”
The Commission questions the appropriateness of General Sibihiri sharing bad news articles with a junior officer Sergeant Nkosi, given the perceived factional tensions within SAPS.
“He is far junior in the organisation... There has to be another reason why you are sharing with this junior employee”
Sharing as gossip or information within SAPS could be innocent but might also align with factional groupings within SAPS, a point put to General Sibihiri for comment.
“It may have been gossip at its most innocent, ... that you, like Sergeant Nkosi, you were part of a particular grouping within the SAPS”
The Commission suggests there is enough evidence that SAPS senior management has internal divisions or factions and questions if General Sibihiri and Sergeant Nkosi sharing information reflects belonging to a faction aligned with General Khumalo and others.
“We have had enough evidence here in the Commission ... that within SAPS senior management ... there are sides”
General Sibihiri denies being part of any faction despite perceptions placing him as General Sibiyai's person, explaining he is integrated across factions and receives information from multiple generals.
“I do not fall under any faction... he will come and tell me... I am not part of anybody”
General Sibihiri describes using internal communication and information reporting protocols involving Deputy National Commissioner and DIVCOM as safeguards when sharing classified information.
“It must go through the office of the DIVCOM to sign, so she will see what I am reporting”
General Sibihiri advised Sergeant Nkosi not to send classified information to others as it could get them into trouble.
“I talked to him to say, hey, the person who is sending you this, just make sure you do not send it to anybody because it might put you into a problem because it is classified”
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 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
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.”
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...”
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-General Shibiri met Mr Matlala in 2016 through Mr Mbilini, who was a police officer at the time but no longer during the business dealings with Matlala.
“you met Mr Matlala in 2016 ... through Mr Mbilini, who was also a police officer at the time ... he was no longer a police officer ... he was doing acid-proofing construction”
Lt-General Shibiri stated he did not look at people he meets unless he has a reason; therefore, he did not look into Mr Matlala despite seeing him more often after 2016.
“in my life time I meet a lot of people, I do not look at them unless I have a reason ... So, at that point you are seeing him once, twice a month? Yes ... you just did not see a need to? No.”
The conversations involving Mr Matlala and Mr Mbilini mostly involved talk about work and general life topics, but mostly between Matlala and Mbilini themselves.
“The talk was between themselves ... they would talk about their work and then also in general about life, sports.”
Lt-General Shibiri ceased communications and stopped going to places when Mr Mbilini passed away because Mr Matlala was more Mr Mbilini's friend than his own.
“after Mr Mbilini's passing, you lost communication ... was that because Mr Matlala was more of, was in fact Mr Mbilini's friend and not yours? Yes, and I stopped going ... I stopped going ... passing by there and so forth.”
Lt-General Shibiri regained contact with Mr Matlala in 2019 and accompanied Brigadier Modise to Mr Matlala's premises for work-related investigation purposes.
“in 2019, you say you accompanied Brigadier Modise to Mr Matlala's premises for work-related purposes ... yes, it was an investigation ... He requested me to go with him there ... I have been part of it because I was the one who drafted the investigation plan ...”
Lt-General Shibiri never phoned Mr Matlala in 2016 despite exchanging contact details and did not communicate on any other platform either.
“I do not think we phoned each other in 2016 ... I do not think we phoned each other in 2016 until we met again ... does this mean you also did not communicate on any other platform? No.”
Mr Matlala was providing VIP security services for a person of interest who was a suspect in a criminal case and now serving time.
“Information available on Mr Matlala ... that he was providing security to the person of interest whom we were looking for ... The person is now serving some years ... He was a suspect.”
The exchange of contact information between Lt-General Shibiri and Mr Matlala was initiated by Shibiri and the Brigadier to facilitate locating the person of interest for the investigation.
“Who initiated this, the exchange of contact information? It is us, me and the Brigadier ... the purpose was for him to assist you with locating this individual.”
Lt-General Shibiri communicated telephonically with Mr Matlala who would seek advice and also called to ask about information needed for his investigating officer role against organised crime.
“Telephonically, he will seek advice with something ... I will also call to ask about certain information which I need on the line of my work ... I am an investigating officer responsible for organised crime ...”
L T - Genshibiri never conducted a preliminary check on a person he thought looked like a good person in business without suspicion.
“I must have a suspicion of some sort or certain thing which was said which I heard or suspecting that he might be doing something wrong . Other than that, I will be profiling everybody I am meeting. So, I do not do that unless I have a reason.”
L T - Genshibiri visited Mr Matlala in 2019 to inquire about a criminal suspect who was providing VIP services.
“when you went to see Mr Matlala in 2019 , you went to his business premises to enquire about a criminal suspect that he was providing VIP services for.”
L T - Genshibiri considered Mr Matlala a clean person based on his cooperation and assistance, despite the criminal suspect he was providing security to being later convicted.
“his cooperation and how he assisted us, it seems to be a clean person.”
Between 2019 and 2025, despite frequent informal and telephonic interactions with Mr Matlala, L T - Genshibiri never profiled or did any check on him until his arrest when his profile was seen.
“no matter how frequently you chatted , no matter what kind of information he gave you , it simply never dawned on you between 2019 and 2025 to do a check on him? Yes. ... I had seen his profile this year, 025 , when all these things were coming out.”
L T - Genshibiri and Mr Matlala had limited telephonic interactions and met physically at a party once in 2024.
“I can not say because you will phone as there is a need. I will phone as there is a need . Meeting physically . For example , 2024 , we met once . At the party .”
The majority of communications or calls between L T - Genshibiri and Mr Matlala were on WhatsApp, and call data shows L T - Genshibiri called Mr Matlala more frequently than the reverse.
“most of your communications or the calls were on WhatsApp . So , this represents the calls we could pick up from call data . And in that small sample as well , what you will see is that you call him more than he calls you.”
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 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.”
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 has close relationships with people including Mr Matlala and Sergeant Nkosi, involving advice, money lending, and regular communication, indicating a close personal and financial relationship.
“you are buddies with him. You lend each other money. You have these many calls with him. You have told us earlier in your statement that you used to give him advice, including on personal legal matters”
Lt-Gen Shibiri acknowledged having a closer than casual relationship with Mr Matlala, including loaning money to him which was repaid, but denied being someone who would protect him from wrongdoing or being involved in illegal activities to assist him.
“I have closer relationships with lots of people ... He loaned me money, which I paid back ... he is a friend, but he is not a friend whereby we are going out together every weekend or going to parties together ... he is not a person that you would arrest him if he did wrong, but you surely cannot blame him”
There is a financial relationship between Lt-Gen Shibiri and Mr Matlala involving loans and money exchange that may create a perception of compromised neutrality in matters involving Mr Matlala.
“there has been this money exchange between you and him ... you have been a beneficiary financially from him ... you were in a bind at some point, according to you, and he assisted you”
A citizen might reasonably be concerned about approaching Lt-Gen Shibiri with a complaint against Mr Matlala because of their friendship and financial assistance.
“it is reasonable for me to be concerned that I have an issue, I cannot go to General Shibiri about a complaint against Mr Matlala because they are friends and he is given him financial assistance”
Lt-Gen Shibiri agrees that the money exchange with Mr Matlala can create perception issues affecting his neutrality, and acknowledges others may think similarly.
“If it was saying, I assisted Matlala for exchange of something, it will make it worse ... But anyhow, I agree with what you are saying. It puts perception to other people.”
On 6 December 2024 Lt-Gen Shibiri owed Mr Matlala R5000, having repaid only part of a larger debt of R7000, and is suspected of tipping off Mr Matlala about a police raid on his house on that date.
“on the date of the raid on Mr Matlala's house on the 6th December 2024, you owed Mr Matlala, on your version, R5000 because you had only paid him 20 of the 7000 that you owed him ... there is a suspicion that either you or Captain Nkosi, Sergeant Nkosi, tipped off Mr Matlala on the 6th December 2024 when there was a raid at his house”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits borrowing money from Mr Matlala without knowledge of any investigation at that time, but denies intending any misconduct.
“I borrowed the money, not knowing it has been investigated or whatever ... I borrowed it like any other person whom you know you could have borrowed money ... I know it will not go anywhere”
Lt-Gen Shibiri was informed during an operation that Mr Matlala had mentioned his name, but refuses to disclose who informed him due to personal security concerns.
“just before the lunch adjournment, you were dealing with when you were informed by someone that Mr Matlala had mentioned your name during one of the operations ... No for his personal security.”
The first operations at Mr Matlala's premises happened on 6th December and 18th December.
“the operations that were conducted at Mr Matlala 's house or premises , the first happened on the 6th of December. The second happened on the 18th of December at his premises .”
By the 17th of December, Mr Matlala was suing for missing items from one of the operations, launching an urgent application.
“by the 17th of December, he was suing20 Organised Crime and had launched an urgent application for what he says were missing things from one of the operations .”
The urgent application launched by Mr Matlala on 17th December 2024 relates to missing items that ought to be returned to him.
“Mr Matlala initiated an urgent application on the 17th of December 2024 in the High Court . And the purpose of it is described there in paragraph 80 . So it was in relation to a number of items she says went missing ought to be returned to him .”
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 .”
Mr Matlala did not tip off police about the operation on 6th December as alleged previously by some witnesses.
“I also heard the Commissioner indicating that this alleged here that me or Nkosi have tipped him off on the 6th , but Witness C said Nkosi never mentioned me to have tipped him off .”
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 .”
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.”
There is a raid on Mr Matlala's property on the 6th, which is a significant event relevant to both Mr Matlala and Sergeant Nkosi, and it is implausible that this was only remembered recently.
“it is of big moment that there is a raid on his property, at his home on the 6th”
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”
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 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...”
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”
General Sibiri acknowledged seeing an infographic showing multiple cases between 2000 and 2024 where Mr Matlala was a suspect or person of interest, including cases of murder and attempted murder, but did not perform any check on Mr Matlala between 2019 and 2025.
“You will also recall that in 2021/2022, this is not in the infographic. This is what was in the public domain, was he was implicated in that Tembisa scandal ... Perhaps maybe I must confirm with the General that he has had regard to it. General, have you had regard to that infographic? Yes. And what the infographic shows is that Mr Matlala has been either a person of interest or a suspect in a number of cases from the year 2000...You did not do any of those searches? No.”
General Sibiri testified that Mr Matlala was an accused in all cases indicated, was arrested in three cases going to court, found guilty in one case from 2001, and was not aware of the Tembisa hospital tender fraud implication in 2021/2022 at the time.
“Mr Matlala was an accused person in all these cases you have indicated. The only three which he was arrested now, which is going court and then the only one which he was found guilty...I did not see it in 2022, but I want to put something in perspective here...”
General Sibiri admitted he did not profile Mr Matlala despite public knowledge of his criminal record in various cases and the Tembisa scandal from 2021-2024, explaining that profiling all suspects was impractical due to the high volume of cases and arrests in Gauteng.
“I have already testified, Commissioners, that at that time I did not have any reason to go and profile him...If I did profile, I could have seen...I did not profile the guy...May be that is one of my mistakes if I did not profile when I see this thing in the newspaper and so forth...”
Advocate Pooe challenged General Sibiri's initial testimony of not being aware of any investigations against Mr Matlala between 2000 and 2024 by showing him the infographic revealing many such investigations.
“Remember, I took you back to your testimony, which was, I was not aware that there were any investigations. I am showing you that there were plenty of investigations between 2000 and 2024.”
Mr Matlala was implicated in the Tembisa Hospital fraudulent contract and was reported to have received a notional benefit of R5,000,000 linked to this contract.
“Mr Matlala was implicated and that he had, I should not say received, but he had gotten the benefit even if it is just contractual without having actually received payment. He had received the benefit of R 5 0 0 0 0 0 0.”
General Sibiri confirmed awareness of the Tembisa hospital tender fraud scandal and the death of Ms Babita Deokaran reported by the news at the time.
“You must have been aware of that at the time the news broke about both matters, both matters but which were, of course, related. Correct? Yes, I have already also, Commissioner, you are correct.”
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...”
Ms Babita Deokaran died after uncovering a fraud related to the improperly awarded Tembisa Hospital contract.
“There is even the death of, and you were aware that the allegations – in fact, there have been convictions – and you were aware also that the death of Ms Babita Deokaran was said to have related to her having uncovered the improperly awarded contract, in fact, fraudulently awarded contract.”
The murder of Ms Babita Deokaran was connected to a 200 million tender at Tembisa and was under investigation by DPCI and IDAC at the time; Matlala's name was not known then.
“By that time it was indicated that the murder is about 200 million Tembisa tender and so forth, but I was not aware at that time that there was the name of Matlala.”
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.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri confirms he did not see alleged involvement of Mr Matlala in the R 5,000,000 benefit before September 2024.
“The only thing you just did not get to know about was the alleged participation or involvement of Mr Matlala in that context . ... And the R 5000000 benefit . ... That is correct . I saw in …”
Lt-Gen Shibiri states he did not comment on the 2021 allegations at the time because he was at CIS and assisting DPCI with investigations.
“I was at CIS and a lot of things which were happening regarding that was at DPCI . Ours was to assist them with the investigation and giving people . So it might have slipped me not seeing that , but I saw it on 2024 .”
Mr Matlala allegedly blackmailed Lt-Gen Shibiri and offered him a loan amidst accusations of fraud and murder.
“And it was because he had called you out to tell you that he has been blackmailed ? ... He sent that thing . ... That is where I saw the 5 million . ... That is exactly what the blackmail was about .”
On the 17th of September 2024, Lt-Gen Shibiri first became aware of the allegations concerning Mr Matlala via a chat message involving himself and Sergeant Nkosi.
“I first became aware of the allegations concerning Mr Matlala . ... On the 17th . ... You and Sergeant Nkosi are sharing an article about Mr Matlala .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits that when he took or accepted a loan from Mr Matlala on 17 or 18 September 2024, he was aware of the accusations against Matlala including murder, fraud and corruption.
“So even if you did not know ... about these things in 2021 , on the day when you take a loan or you accept a loan from him , you are aware of all these things because you have been made aware of them the day before or at least on the same day . ... That is the simple point .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits that he accepted a loan from Mr Matlala but did not take the loan offered on 14 September 2024 initially, and later on 18 September 2024 he was offered a loan again.
“He offered but I did not take . ... When he deposited the money on the 8th , remember the loan was made on the 14th . ...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri acknowledges he repaid part of the loan in cash (R20,000) in November 2024, and the remaining R50,000 was paid by bank transfer in December 2024 after two raids at Mr Matlala's premises.
“You say you paid it in cash . ... That is correct . ... In December , ... there is payment of R 50000 to complete the amount of R 70000 . And at least there is a record of that because the R 50000 was paid into a bank account . ... Yes . ... This payment of R 50000 is made after there have been two raids of Mr Matlala 's premises . ...”
The repayment arrangement was agreed for December when Lt-Gen Shibiri would pay the full amount as he received a bonus then; he repaid R20,000 early from selling stock and then paid the remainder later in December 2024.
“Our arrangement was month-end , December , because I get my bonus that time , and that is how we agreed to say when I get money that time , I get my bonus , I will pay you the whole R 70000 . And the reason I paid the R 20000 is because I managed to sell some of my stock , because now and then they get stolen . And then I said , well , let me now reduce the debt from him . So , hence , I paid him back in December .”
Lt-Gen Shibiri rejects the suggestion that he laundered the money received from Mr Matlala by repaying it as a loan to make it appear legitimate.
“I think I have been in the police for so long ... if I wanted Mr Matlala to give me money which is not a loan , I could have preferred that he give me in cash so that there would not be any trail …”
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.”
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 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...”
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 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 there was newspaper allegation against Mr Matlala but denies any police allegations, maintaining his stance despite being cornered.
“I agree... even though that allegation was not police allegation... even though I am cornered.”
Chairperson accuses Lt-Gen Shibiri of accepting a loan from Mr Matlala despite criminal allegations and failing to disclose it, which casts doubt on his earlier statement that he would never take a loan from a criminal or alleged criminal.
“Now you admit that there were allegations of criminality against Mr Matlala... and yet you still took a loan from him... How does that square up with the answer you gave to me earlier?”
Advocate Baloyi raises the issue that Mr Matlala sent messages on 17th and paid money on 18th to Lt-Gen Shibiri, which creates the perception that Shibiri did things for Matlala in return for the payment, creating an appearance of impropriety.
“The messages about Mr Khawula... on the 17th and then on the 18th your payment... That looks like he is paying you to do his bidding... Do you see the potential... that Mr Matlala pays you, you are prepared to do things for him?”
Lt-Gen Shibiri claims it was not Mr Khawula extorting money but someone pretending to be speaking to Khawula, acting on behalf of himself and Khawula and demanding money from Mr Matlala.
“Actually it is not Khawula who was extorting money... somebody who is purporting to be speaking to Khawula... He is a journalist... He says he sent it to say he must publish...”
Advocate Baloyi accuses Lt-Gen Shibiri of accepting money from Mr Matlala immediately after being sent a message asking for action, creating an impression of impropriety and unethical conduct.
“On the 17th he sends you a message... on the 18th he follows up with payment to you... if you were reminded to act ethically and cautiously you would not have accepted the money from him because it looks bad.”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits accepting the money from Mr Matlala and says he made a mistake not to foresee the implications or ethical appearance at the time.
“Ja, unfortunately that is how life goes... I knew I spoke to him on the 14th. He is a friend... I did not foresee what you are looking at now...”
Lt-Gen Shibiri admits that when he accepted the loan/money from Mr Matlala, he saw nothing wrong with it and did not consider the appearances of impropriety at the time.
Advocate Khumalo asks about the cost to fix a car; Lt-Gen Shibiri initially says no, then admits it cost about 55 (thousand?), ending up at 87 (thousand?).
“How much did it cost to fix the car?... I know. It was about 55 when it started. It ended up to 87.”
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.”
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.”
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 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 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 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.”
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 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.”
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 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.”
General Sibiri indicates that when approached by Matlala for assistance regarding payment on a contract, he responded by sending the query to Sergeant Nkosi to verify payment details, showing he was involved in following up finance-related issues despite stating he could not assist directly.
“he will monitor and I indicated it will show maybe tomorrow ... it is paid on that day but deposited into an account ... I just asked how much because there was nothing for me to say and already I already spoken to the man a day before”
Advocates argue that General Sibiri's question about the amount paid in relation to the contract contradicts his stated position of inability to assist, implying he was involved in the transactional follow-up and not merely curious.
“you are not just curious, you want to give Mr Matlala a response ... you forwarded this to Sergeant Nkosi and Sergeant Nkosi gives you feedback ... it is not a question of curiosity”
General Sibiri denies sending anything to Sergeant Nkosi, stating that Sergeant Nkosi sent information to someone else and sent the screenshots to him without prompting.
“I never sent anything to Nkosi. Nkosi is sent these things to me ... He is sending and responding to himself at the same time”
General Sibiri doubts Sergeant Nkosi's ability to access finance printouts and documents, implying that Matlala is the possible source of the screenshots and information about payments since Nkosi does not have finance system access.
“I do not believe Nkosi can access these printouts. I thought maybe he got it from Matlala ... because I do not see any way Nkosi can access the finance document or have access to that one because it is not even at our finance”
Advocate Khumalo criticizes General Sibiri for allowing Sergeant Nkosi to access and share finance-related payment documents, saying that Nkosi should have been reprimanded for handling finance documents improperly and sharing them with Matlala.
“You should have reprimanded him. You should have said to him, Nkosi, you do not work in finance ... what are you doing with these documents and why are you sharing them”
Advocate Baloyi points out a strong correlation between calls from Matlala asking for help with payment and Sergeant Nkosi sending screenshots about payment status to General Sibiri, suggesting this pattern indicates coordination and that Sibiri's claim of surprise is unsatisfactory.
“there is this great coincidence ... that he sends them to you the day after you spoke to Mr Matlala ... that Mr Matlala calls and says help me ... Sergeant Nkosi sends you screenshots ... it is more than an unexplainable coincidence ... you are not giving a satisfactory explanation for this sequence of events”
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 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 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 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 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 indicates the requester of assistance went to multiple people including in KwaZulu-Natal, showing desperation and that he knocks on all doors regardless of personal connection.
“he went to everybody, including to KZN looking for assistance . He can go to anybody, irrespective of he knows you or not . So when he is desperate, he knocks all the doors .”
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 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”
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 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 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”
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”
Two weeks after initial events, Sergeant Nkosi shared an arrest warrant for Musa Khawula with Mr Matlala to assist in Khawula's arrest.
“In fact, two weeks later Nkosi shared a warrant with Mr Matlala and that warrant was a warrant for Musa Khawula's arrest ... so that Matlala can assist in the arrest of Mr Khawula”
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”
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 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.”
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 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.”
Senior police officers have a responsibility to assist the public by acting on information such as video footage from shopping centres and people expect assistance regardless of their relationship to the officers.
“it is the police station who should have acted and went there, and went to those shopping centres and get the video footage and follow up ... It is expected from ourselves to make sure that we assist the people ... people feel that if you report to a senior officer, you will be assisted.”
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.”
The witness receives information from informants daily, including on alleged bribes and threats, and ensures threat analysis is performed based on this information.
“Even the information which I gave the members regarding the alleged bribe and the threat, and make sure that there must be a threat analysis, I got it from informants, people who phone me on a daily basis.”
Mr Matlala is a friend and benefactor of the witness, who frequently receives loans from him and advises him on personal and legal matters including a contract with SAPS.
“He is your friend. He is your benefactor. You take loans from him, frequently advise him on matters of personal, say, legal problems ... on top of that, he clearly comes to you about this contract ... You take interest in how much he gets paid.”
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 admits the current known facts look bad on him but argues that the circumstances of how the situation developed are different from what might be assumed.
“Yes, now it is known. It looks bad on me ... if you take it how it came along and how it happened, it is something else ... yes, it will look very bad on me and whatever I have done ... yes, I agree in that fashion.”
Despite knowing of Mr Matlala's serious legal problems and allegations, the witness accepted money from him and their relationship escalated quickly to exchanging money and the witness helping Mr Matlala.
“... he was doing exactly what you say happens when people want to corrupt individual officers ... befriend them to get them to do what they want ... my view is you seem to have done that for him.”
Mr Matlala last spoke to the witness in 2023 and they unexpectedly met at General Sibiya's house in September, where conversation turned to the witness's financial troubles; shortly after, Mr Matlala called the witness without being prompted and offered money.
“... last time you had spoken to him was in 2023 ... encounter him at General Sibiya's house in September ... conversation ... gets to a point where you are now talking about your money troubles ... then four days later ... he calls you ... he is the one that calls to ask ... offer you money ...”
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.”
The head of Organised Crime in South Africa and some very senior police generals, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, are close friends with alleged criminals responsible for serious crimes.
“the head of Organised Crime in the country and some very senior generals, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, are actually good friends with these people who are alleged to have committed these crimes”
The alleged killers of a crime victim have been arrested but not convicted, and the weapons used in these offences are linked based on ballistics.
“his killers or alleged killers have been arrested but not convicted. And we also know that based on the ballistics that you facilitated, that the weapons used in these offences are somehow linked.”
Proximity of some alleged criminals to very senior police officers in South Africa, including sharing loans and SAPS documents, is a serious concern.
“Some of these alleged criminals, their proximity to the very senior police officers in the country is concerning. It concerns me deeply how close they are. Whether it is innocent friendship, whatever it is, it is concerning that people who are accused of such serious crimes fraternise party with senior police officers, loan money to senior police officers, share SAPS documents with senior police officers. I mean, it is a serious concern.”
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 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.”