JOHANNESURG – Two high-ranking Gauteng SAPS officers, including a civilian have each been granted bail set at R20 000 with conditions in the alleged illicit dealing in and unlawful possession of precious metals case. The officers are senior Crime Intelligence officer Major Gen. Feroz Khan and Gauteng Hawks head Major Gen. Ebrahim Kadwa and businessman Tariq Downes. Bail was granted in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court today -Monday, 11 May, during their appearance.

The case was postponed to 14 July as part of further investigation. Charges against the trio include the unlawful dealing in precious metals, defeating the ends of justice, corruption and contravention of applicable legislation regulating precious metals in South Africa.

Kaizer Kganyago, national spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa, said case emanate from an incident on 5 May 2021.

“This was when Downes was allegedly found in possession of 75.9 grams of unwrought gold, valued at approximately R62 836, at OR Tambo International Airport. During questioning, he allegedly claimed the metal was a brass bar and that he was acting as an undercover agent linked to senior SAPS officials. Investigations allegedly established that no authorised undercover operation involving precious metals existed at the time. The state further alleges that Khan and Kadwa instructed officers to release Downes despite there being no supporting documentation for such an operation,” said Kganyago.

Brig. Athlenda Mathe, national spokesperson for police, said the arrests the three suspects by the Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS) followed an intensive investigation by the team, who executed a J50 warrant of arrest (a court-issued arrest warrant). “These arrests form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit trade of precious metals and corruption,” said Mathe.