Former Crime Intelligence deputy Feroz Khan was scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, but the proceedings were postponed due to the murder of his uncle, Preggy Padayachee. Padayachee was killed in a shooting incident on the R21 towards OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni late on Monday night. According to police, Padayachee's car broke down, and he and his friends were shot at, resulting in his death and a passenger being wounded.
Khan was initially meant to testify before the commission at the start of July but was wounded in a shooting in Houghton, Johannesburg, just days before. His injuries and related health issues had meant he could not appear at the commission for a while. The commission is investigating whether a cartel infiltrated South Africa's criminal justice system, politics, and private sector, and serious accusations have been levelled against Khan.
Padayachee had received threats and had spoken to reporters after Khan was shot, saying that whoever did it must pay. He had also expressed his desire for justice, stating that "yes, most definitely. Whoever did it must pay for it." The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Padayachee's murder, and the motive for the shooting is not yet clear.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry issued a statement saying that Khan had appeared before it remotely but due to the death of a family member, he was not in a position to testify. The commission has postponed Khan's testimony to a date yet to be determined. Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga had previously announced that criminal charges would be lodged against Khan for his failure to attend the commission.
Khan was officially dismissed from the South African Police Service (SAPS) last month for failing to appear before an officer involved in a disciplinary process against him. His legal team had indicated they planned to challenge this. Before Khan was wounded in the shooting, he was criminally charged in a case linked to unwrought gold and the release of a suspect.
The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Padayachee's murder, and the incident has unfolded as matters have been stacking up against Khan. The commission's proceedings will continue, and further announcements will be made regarding Khan's testimony.
Key points
- Feroz Khan's testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been postponed due to the murder of his uncle, Preggy Padayachee.
- Padayachee was killed in a shooting incident in Johannesburg, and the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his murder.
- Khan was previously wounded in a shooting and has been struggling with stress, and his testimony will be postponed to a later date.
