Top cop Richard Shibiri accused of meddling in Armand Swart murder case

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard explosive testimony alleging that Major-General Richard Shibiri, the head of organised crime, attempted to interfere in the investigation of the murder of Vereeniging engineer, Armand Swart.

According to Witness A, General Shibiri called him and another investigator, identified as Witness B, warning them that the suspects arrested in connection with Swart’s killing were “very dangerous people.” The witness told the commission that the call felt like an attempt to intimidate them and influence the handling of the case.

Swart, a well-known engineer in Vereeniging, was murdered under circumstances that have sparked suspicions of corruption and police interference. Witness A said Shibiri’s comments raised red flags because it appeared the senior officer was trying to protect certain suspects.

“The general told us to be careful with those suspects, that they were very dangerous. It felt like a message to back off,” the witness testified.Evidence leaders at the commission questioned the motive behind Shibiri’s warning and whether he had a personal or professional relationship with any of the accused. The commission is now expected to summon Shibiri to respond to the allegations directly.

The inquiry, chaired by Justice Madlanga, continues to hear testimonies about alleged corruption, manipulation of dockets, and abuse of power within South Africa’s organised crime unit.

Justice Madlanga has previously warned that interference in criminal investigations by senior officers will not be tolerated, describing such conduct as a “betrayal of justice.”

The commission resumes hearings later this week, with more witnesses expected to shed light on the handling of the Swart murder case.