Shibiri’s testimony highlights police fear of criminal syndicates

Suspended police head of organised crime Richard Shibiri will continue to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Friday.
On Thursday, commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga raised concerns that some of the country’s top police officers were afraid of mentioning those alleged to be part of criminal syndicates.

WATCH | SABC News reporter Canny Maphanga wraps up the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry proceedings, where the cross-examination of suspended SAPS component head for organised crime, Major-General Richard Shibiri, continued today. pic.twitter.com/Hs2BsM8eqC
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 12, 2026

Madlanga raised the concern after Shibiri requested that a name be redacted from the recording played before the commission.
The recording was in relation to a conversation between Shibiri and Witness A.
Madlanga told the Commission that it was quite concerning that Shibiri is afraid to mention the name of the person believed to be part of the criminal syndicate. Shibiri is not the first top police officer to request that someone’s name be hidden from the commission.
General Lesetja Senona, the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, once requested that the commission not publicly mention Steve Motsumi’s name for safety reasons. However, the Commission ruled that Motsumi’s name must be mentioned.
Madlanga says it is worrying that those who are appointed to fight crime are also afraid of the criminals.
Video | Major-General Richard Shibiri cross-examined at Madlanga Commission

www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/shibiris-testimony-highlights-police-fear-of-criminal-syndicates/