By Mapaballo Borotho
- Suspended organised crime boss Richard Shibiri told the Madlanga Commission that revealing members of the alleged “Big 5” criminal group could put his life in danger.
- He confirmed only two names linked to the group, including murder accused Katiso Molefe and the late taxi boss Jothan Mswazi Msibi.
- Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga raised concerns that senior police officials appear afraid to name alleged criminal syndicate members.
Suspended head of organised crime in South Africa, Richard Shibiri, told the Madlanga Commission that revealing the name of one of the members of what he calls ‘the group of 5’ business partners could put his life at risk.
Commissioners and the evidence leader attempted to press Shibiri to identify all the members of the group. However, he remained hesitant and only confirmed two names.
Shibiri said the group includes murder accused Katiso Molefe and the late taxi boss Jothan Mswazi Msibi. He told the commission that the men are alleged business partners who share interests in mining and other companies.
The issue of the “Big 5” was first raised at the commission last year by suspended Crime Intelligence head General Dumisane Khumalo.
Khumalo described the group as a sophisticated criminal organisation consisting of five key individuals with influence across various illicit activities.
During his testimony, Khumalo told the commission that he became aware of the alleged cartel through Shibiri.
“I thought it was reckless from the crime intelligence head, and I am taken to be against him. However, I respect him very much, but to come here and say Shibiri gave us the name of the cartel when he actually has bodyguards for 24 hours because he’s scared of being harmed by the same cartel,” said Shibiri on Friday.
Concerns over corruption among top police officials
On Thursday, the commission’s chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga said it is concerning that some of the country’s top police officers are afraid to name individuals who are allegedly linked to criminal syndicates.
Madlanga raised the concern after Shibiri requested that a name be removed from a recording that was played before the commission. The recording is related to a conversation between Shibiri and Witness A.
Madlanga said it is troubling that Shibiri is scared to mention the name of a person believed to be part of the criminal syndicate.
Shibiri is not the first senior police officer to request that certain names be withheld from the commission.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head General Lesetja Senona previously asked that the commission not publicly mention Steve Motsumi’s name for safety reasons.
Madlanga said it is worrying that those tasked with fighting crime in the country seem to be more afraid of criminals.
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