HOW MATLALA'S MONEY BANKROLLED TOP COP'S LIFESTYLE

Luxury spending raises questions over SAPS General's R70 000 loan claim

- KAMOGELO MOICHELA and RAPULA MOATSHE

(Richard Shibiri)

THE Madlanga Commission has challenged suspended head of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit, Richard Shibiri's claim that he borrowed money from Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala to cover expenses, after bank records showed he spent nearly R20 000 at Gucci and Louis Vuitton after receiving the funds.

Commission evidence revealed that around the time he received the funds, Shibiri spent R19 000 at Gucci and about R3 000 on Louis Vuitton sandals in Sandton — purchases that sharply contradicted his claim that he needed the money to cover urgent expenses.

Shibiri told the commission the R70 000 loan was meant to pay for repairs to his son's vehicle after an insurance claim was rejected.

He said these luxury purchases came as a form of gifts for his birthday celebration.

The repair bill was estimated at R55 000.

But commissioners questioned why he needed to borrow the money at all.