Former Crime Intelligence deputy Feroz Khan and former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) head Andrea Johnson appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on Friday, 30 October 2026, facing charges of defeating the ends of justice, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and contravening the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act. The arrests were carried out by the Madlanga Recommendations Task Team.
The charges stem from a 2018 assault and intimidation complaint involving Khan and Brigadier Leonora Phetlhe, who was under his command at the time. Phetlhe laid a charge following the alleged incident, and investigations revealed that Johnson allegedly disclosed information to Khan without the permission of the National Director of Public Prosecutions. This led to Khan submitting a warning statement to the investigating officer before the docket was submitted to the NPA for guidance and decision.
The State did not oppose bail, and Khan and Johnson were released on R10,000 bail each. The matter was postponed to 3 February 2027 for further investigation. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Amanda van Wyk said further arrests could not be ruled out as the investigation continued, with police working closely with the NPA to ensure evidence was properly presented in court.
Evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry raised questions about the relationship between Khan and Johnson, with messages suggesting their contact extended beyond professional exchanges. Johnson attended Khan's 50th birthday celebration, and WhatsApp messages presented to the commission revealed affectionate exchanges between the pair. Khan called Johnson "you gorgeous", while their conversations included references to missing each other, dinner plans, and invitations to his home.
A separate WhatsApp exchange on 9 July 2021, the day of a major cocaine seizure at a Johannesburg warehouse, raised further questions about Khan's access to operational information and his knowledge of the quantity of drugs seized. Evidence leader Mahlape Sello told the commission that Khan informed Johnson that 552 blocks of cocaine, or 552 kilograms, worth about R200-million, had been seized. However, commission evidence put the actual seizure at 541 kilograms.
Khan faces a separate criminal case alongside suspended Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa, head of the Hawks in Gauteng, and Durban businessman Tariq Downes over the alleged illegal dealing and unlawful possession of precious metals. The case stems from a May 2021 incident at OR Tambo International Airport, where Downes was allegedly found carrying 75.9g of unwrought gold.
Johnson resigned as Idac boss in July during her testimony at the commission, and Khan was fired by SAPS in September after skipping an expedited disciplinary hearing. The Madlanga Commission's findings have led to several high-profile arrests and resignations, and the investigation is ongoing.
Key points
- Former Crime Intelligence deputy Feroz Khan and ex-Idac head Andrea Johnson face charges for allegedly shielding Khan from prosecution.
- The charges stem from a 2018 assault and intimidation complaint involving Khan and Brigadier Leonora Phetlhe.
- Khan and Johnson were released on R10,000 bail each and are set to appear in court again on 3 February 2027.
