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Senior South African police officer survives assassination attempt
Major‑General Feroz Khan, the deputy head of crime intelligence, was shot on Sunday evening while driving home in Johannesburg and survived after a rapid transfer to a hospital for emergency surgery.
Police say the shooting came only days before Khan was scheduled to testify at the Madlanga commission, an inquiry into alleged organised crime infiltration of the police.
Khan, who has been arrested since May on allegations of illegal gold dealing, has not commented on the incident.
Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe released a statement on Monday stating that “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 inquiry.”
The inquiry was established after senior officer Lieutenant‑General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged in July that organised crime groups had infiltrated government structures.
Khan’s name has appeared repeatedly in the inquiry, particularly relating to a botched 2021 drug bust in Johannesburg. He was also expected to be questioned on links to politician Julius Malema and political fixer Brown Mogotsi.
The second assault on a witness linked to the Madlanga commission followed the murder of another witness in December, highlighting the perilous climate surrounding the probe.
Earlier this month, Khan attempted to block the inquiry from accessing electronic devices seized from him during his arrest and sought a closed‑door hearing, but abandoned both requests.
In May, Khan and another senior officer were indicted for illicit dealings in precious metals after a businessman was found with 75.9g of uncut gold at OR Tambo International Airport in 2021; investigators found no authorised undercover operation, citing Khan’s instructions to release the businessman.
Pending further developments, authorities continue their investigation into Khan’s shooting and its implications for the ongoing police corruption inquiry.
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