A major investigation is underway following the assassination attempt on suspended Major General Feroz Khan, who was shot on Sunday evening in Houghton, Johannesburg, just two days before he was due to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Khan, the deputy head of Crime Intelligence within the South African Police Service (SAPS), was shot on 3rd Avenue in Houghton on 28 June. He remains in critical condition at Netcare Milpark Hospital.
The investigation is being led by the Gauteng Hawks, Gauteng Crime Intelligence and the SAPS Detective Service. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has directed that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) be incorporated into the investigation.
Khan was scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission on 1 July to answer to numerous allegations of corruption, interference in criminal investigations, and links to organised crime networks.
Timeline of events
Khan was arrested on 10 May on charges related to the unlawful dealing and possession of illicit precious metals. He is also reportedly suspended in connection with an investigation into a R360 million police tender involving the company Medicare24.
In May, electronic devices were seized from Khan during a raid on his apartment in Houghton. On 3 June, Khan filed an urgent application in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg to prevent the Commission and SAPS from accessing or analysing the data on his seized devices, arguing that it could compromise sensitive intelligence and informant identities.
The Commission opposed the application, asserting that the material was essential for its investigation. On 8 June, Khan abandoned both his urgent application and a separate request to have proceedings heard in camera. The Commission subsequently served him with a notice to testify on 1 July.
Allegations before the commission
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system and law enforcement agencies. The Commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025.
Testimony before the Commission, including evidence from Hawks Colonel Nkoana Joseph Sebola, has alleged that Khan and another official interfered with a crime scene and the subsequent investigation into missing cocaine in Aeroton, Johannesburg, in July 2021.
The Commission has also received allegations linking Khan to individuals believed to be involved in organised crime networks. Evidence analysed from seized devices includes communications between Khan and Mohamed Sayed, an executive at Carnilinx who has been accused of smuggling.
Previous assassination linked to commission
While SAPS has cautioned against premature speculation regarding the timing of the attack on Khan, the shooting comes against a backdrop of fatal and near fatal incidents targeting witnesses connected to the Madlanga Commission.
In December 2025, Marius van der Merwe, a former official of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and private security company owner, was shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan in the presence of his family.
Van der Merwe had testified before the Commission in November 2025 as “Witness D”. He provided evidence regarding an alleged murder cover-up involving suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi. He alleged that he had been ordered by Mkhwanazi to dispose of the body of a man who had been tortured and killed by police officials in 2022.
On the evening of 5 December 2025, Van der Merwe was killed in what police described as a targeted hit.
In March, police arrested Matipandile Sotheni (41), a former member of an elite police unit, in connection with the murder. Authorities identified Sotheni as the alleged hitman.
Another suspect implicated in the murder cover-up, Wiandre Pretorius, took his own life shortly after Van der Merwe’s assassination.
ALSO READ: Khan withdraws legal fight over seized devices, to testify at Madlanga commission on 1 July
SAPS response
The Acting National Commissioner has condemned the attack on Khan and assured the public that no resource will be spared in identifying, tracing and arresting those responsible.
“The South African Police Service views any attempt to intimidate, silence or attack any individual involved in judicial processes in the most serious light and any attempt to interfere with the administration of justice or the work of the commission will be met with the full might of the law,” Dimpane said.
“While SAPS is aware of public speculation regarding the timing of the attack, it is premature and irresponsible to speculate on any possible motive or to conclude that the incident is linked to his anticipated appearance before the Commission. Detectives will follow evidence wherever it leads.”
ALSO READ: Khan withdraws legal fight over seized devices, to testify at Madlanga commission on 1 July
