WATCH | Shibiri's Gucci sneakers, LV sandals under Madlanga scrutiny
Madlanga Commission of Inquiry witness Major-General Richard Shibiri testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Suspended head of organised crime, Major - General Richard Shibiri, returns to the Madlanga Commission on Friday to face renewed scrutiny over a controversial “loan” from Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and the luxury shopping spree that followed.
Shibiri’s testimony on Thursday stunned the commission after he acknowledged buying Louis Vuitton and Gucci items shortly after claiming he was in serious financial distress.
He told the commission the Gucci sneakers were bought as a gift for a friend who had previously purchased him a Zegna suit.
The Louis Vuitton sandals, he said, were obtained after trading in a birthday wallet and paying a R3,000 difference.
At the centre of the inquiry is a R70,000 loan Shibiri said he urgently needed from Matlala, a businessman who was under criminal investigation at the time.
The senior police officer told the commission the money was meant to cover urgent car repairs estimated at R55,000.
But evidence presented before the commission has cast doubt on that explanation.
Bank records revealed that around the time Shibiri secured the loan, he and his son collectively held more than R100,000 in their accounts.
Further records show that roughly a month after receiving the money, Shibiri spent thousands of rand on luxury sneakers and designer sandals — purchases that sharply contradict his claim of financial hardship.
Pressed by evidence leaders, Shibiri defended the spending.
He told the commission the Gucci sneakers were bought as a gift for a friend who had previously purchased him a Zegna suit.
The Louis Vuitton sandals, he said, were obtained after trading in a birthday wallet and paying a R3,000 difference.
The commission has also questioned the propriety of a senior law enforcement officer accepting money from a businessman under investigation.
Despite the growing scrutiny, Shibiri insisted he has no regrets about the transaction or the purchases.
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