Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime head Richard Shiburi has been dismissed from the police service following a disciplinary hearing.
According to sources, the disciplinary process found that Shiburi had brought SAPS into disrepute through his association with businessman Vusimuzi Matlala, commonly known as “Cat” Matlala.
Dismissal Recommended by Disciplinary Hearing
Sources familiar with the matter told eNCA that the disciplinary hearing recommended Shiburi’s dismissal after considering allegations regarding his relationship with Matlala.
The recommendation was subsequently implemented, with Shiburi reportedly receiving his dismissal letter on 22 May.
The dismissal marks a significant development in ongoing efforts by SAPS to address allegations of misconduct and inappropriate relationships between law enforcement officials and individuals linked to criminal investigations.
CCMA Challenge Expected
Sources further indicated that Shiburi intends challenging the dismissal through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
A CCMA challenge would allow him to contest the disciplinary findings and seek a review of the decision to terminate his employment.
No official details regarding the grounds of his planned challenge have yet been made public.
Devices Returned by Madlanga Commission Task Team
In a related development, sources said electronic devices that had been seized from Shiburi were recently returned by investigators linked to the ongoing Madlanga Commission Task Team.
The return of the devices comes as the commission continues investigating allegations relating to political interference, criminal networks, and law enforcement operations.
The significance of the returned devices in relation to the broader investigation remains unclear.
Growing Scrutiny of Senior Police Officials
Shiburi’s dismissal comes amid heightened scrutiny of senior SAPS officials and growing public attention on allegations of organised crime infiltration within law enforcement structures.
The matter is expected to remain in focus as investigations linked to the Madlanga Commission continue and as Shiburi pursues legal avenues to challenge his dismissal.
Neither SAPS nor Shiburi had publicly commented on the reported dismissal at the time of publication.
