The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is set to continue hearing testimony today, Friday, in the absence of suspended SAPS Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence Major General Feroz Khan, who faces allegations of involvement in drug trafficking. The high-ranking officer will be represented by his legal team comprising Advocate Zubair Khan and attorney Mohammed Valley, as he was reportedly still hospitalised after his assassination attempt last Sunday night, allegedly by gunmen travelling in a white Mercedes-Benz.

The armed assailants shot him multiple times in the abdomen and lower body. Police have launched a manhunt for the assailants. It was reported that Gen Khan was driving on 3rd Avenue near his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, when he was ambushed. He was scheduled to appear on Wednesday, 1 July before the Madlanga Commission to answer questions regarding serious allegations of misconduct. These include claims of receiving “kickbacks” in an R280 million National Treasury tender, the alleged leaking of intelligence information, and his role in the Aeroton cocaine bust valued at R300 million in July 2021.

Khan’s legal team’s application to the Commission to have testimony heard in camera was rejected. The team cited that certain evidence concerned state security and intelligence.

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The assassination attempt on Gen Khan also comes ahead of his scheduled appearance at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on 14 July, together with Durban businessman Tariq Downes and Gauteng Hawks head Major General Ebrahim Kadwa.

The trio were granted bail of R20 000 each, with conditions, during their appearance in early May following their arrest on charges of contravening the Precious Metals Act and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) previously explained that the charges stem from an incident on 5 May 2021, when Downes was allegedly found in possession of 75.9 grams of unwrought gold, valued at approximately R62,836, at OR Tambo International Airport. The criminal case was postponed for further investigation.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, called for the suspension of Gen Khan following his arrest and court appearance in May.

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