SAPS fires former organised crime head Richard Shiburi over criminal links, misconduct

Richard Shiburi

Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the dismissal of former Component Head for Organised Crime, Major General Richard Shiburi, following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings.

In a statement issued on Thursday, SAPS said the disciplinary process was conducted in line with the organisation’s prescripts and principles of procedural fairness.

According to the police service, Shiburi was found guilty of misconduct related to conduct that brought the organisation into disrepute.

“The disciplinary proceedings were conducted in accordance with applicable SAPS prescripts and principles of procedural fairness,” SAPS said.

Major General Shibiri was found guilty of misconduct relating to conduct that brought the organisation into disrepute, including associating himself with a known criminal.

According to IOL, the Madlanga Commission heard allegations that former SAPS organised crime head Richard Shiburi received between R70,000 and R80,000 from businessman Vusimuzi Matlala and provided conflicting explanations about the payment.

Investigators questioned his claims, citing financial records and luxury spending during the period.

The commission also heard allegations that Shiburi leaked sensitive police information to Matlala, including warning him about a planned police raid, and interfered in high-profile criminal investigations, including the murder of Armand Swart and a R300 million Aeroton drug bust.

His testimony was repeatedly challenged by commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga and other commissioners over alleged inconsistencies and contradictions.

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