Police dismiss decorated officer as R39m asset probe widens

R39-million in property, roughly 30 vehicles acquired within a single year, and a salary that investigators say could not account for either: the financial profile of Major General Feroz Khan, now dismissed from the South African Police Service, sits at the centre of overlapping criminal and commission proceedings that show no sign of slowing.

SAPS terminated Khan, the deputy head of Crime Intelligence, after he failed to appear before the designated senior officer overseeing expeditious disciplinary proceedings. Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe announced the dismissal on Wednesday, 2 September, confirming that Khan was “deemed dismissed” under Regulation 9(7)(b) of the SAPS Discipline Regulations. The Labour Court had already rejected his urgent application to block those proceedings, clearing the path for termination.

Mathe framed the outcome in terms of institutional accountability, stating that no member, regardless of rank, stands exempt from law or disciplinary frameworks.

Khan’s exit from the police service does not resolve his legal exposure. A criminal case against him remains pending in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court, rooted in a May 2021 incident at OR Tambo International Airport. Khan was arrested alongside Gauteng Hawks head Major General Ebrahim Kadwa and businessman Tariq Downes over allegations of unlawful possession of precious metals and defeating the ends of justice. Prosecutors allege Downes was found carrying 75.9 grams of unwrought gold and claimed he was executing an undercover operation. Khan and Kadwa allegedly intervened to secure Downes’ release, though investigators found no authorized operation existed. All three were granted R20,000 bail. The matter continues.

Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission has pursued a wider examination of Khan’s conduct within Crime Intelligence. Lieutenant Colonel Nkoana Joseph Sebola testified that Khan’s involvement in the 2021 Aeroton cocaine seizure was irregular and that he interfered in subsequent investigations. Evidence leaders presented WhatsApp messages and material from Khan’s electronic devices alleging he facilitated tenders for tobacco mogul Mohamed “Mo” Sayed. The commission also heard claims that Khan passed confidential police information to EFF leader Julius Malema through Sayed and drafted parliamentary questions for the politician. Malema has acknowledged knowing Khan and contacting Sayed after Khan was shot, but denied providing protection or interfering with parliamentary scrutiny.

The financial picture drew pointed questioning. Evidence leader advocate Adila Hassim pressed on how Khan’s reported income exceeded his police salary, given the property portfolio and vehicle acquisitions documented before the commission. That line of inquiry connects to a separate allegation involving former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson. The commission heard that Johnson leaked a 2018 police docket to Khan before he provided a warning statement, allowing him to prepare his defense in advance. Johnson invoked her right against self-incrimination when questioned, citing an NPA docket under consideration for prosecution.

Khan’s medical certificates, submitted to explain his absence from work and proceedings, came under scrutiny this week. Hassim raised concerns about document dates, and Khan’s doctor reportedly told the commission that Khan’s son had requested date changes, resulting in backdated notes. Khan was shot and wounded in an apparent murder attempt in Johannesburg in June, days before he was scheduled to testify. His inability to attend allowed evidence against him to proceed without his testimony or rebuttal.

The commission has been consistent on one point: the allegations against Khan remain untested. He has not given evidence before the inquiry and has not had the opportunity to respond to all charges levelled against him. SAPS said it would continue respecting court decisions and providing further information about the dismissal where legally permissible.

Whether Khan will eventually appear before the commission to contest the financial and operational allegations, or whether the criminal proceedings in Kempton Park will reach a verdict first, remains the open question shaping the next phase of both inquiries.