The Madlanga Commission has agreed to provide security protection to suspended SAPS head of organised crime, Major-General Richard Shibiri, after he raised concerns about his safety during testimony.
Shibiri declined to publicly name individuals he believes are relevant to the commission’s investigation, stating that some of them are dangerous. The commission suspects that Shibiri may have information about the so-called “Big 5”, an alleged criminal cartel whose existence has not yet been confirmed.
During proceedings, the commission played a recording of a phone conversation between Shibiri and Witness A, a member of the Political Killings Task Team. In the call, Shibiri referred to alleged criminal mastermind Katiso “KT” Molefe as being part of a “group of five.” Evidence leader Lee Segeels-Ncube suggested that this was a reference to the alleged cartel, although Shibiri denied that interpretation.
In an exchange with Commissioner Sandile Khumalo, Shibiri acknowledged that the commission had offered him protection.
Khumalo told him: “General, it seems you are not prepared to answer that question. That may be for your own reasons. Would you be willing to provide the name in camera and explain privately why you did not want it mentioned publicly?”
Shibiri agreed to provide the information privately.
He explained that his hesitation was due to concerns about who could be trusted.
“I do not know why he would be afraid, but I know why I did not want to mention the name. I have established that even some of those who are supposed to be investigating are close to the same people. You do not always know who you are dealing with,” he said.
Shibiri also complained that an officer identified as Nkwashu had undermined his work by allegedly ensuring that Molefe was granted bail. However, he later denied that he had been referring directly to that officer, saying he had merely been expressing frustration about difficult working conditions and being assigned tasks outside his unit’s mandate.
Shibiri concluded four days of testimony before the commission. The commission indicated that he may be recalled if further clarification is needed on any of the matters raised in his evidence.