Preggy Padayachee, the uncle-in-law of Major-General Feroz Khan, was shot dead on the R21 highway in Ekurhuleni on Monday evening. According to police, Padayachee was travelling towards OR Tambo International Airport when he was attacked near Griffiths Road. A friend who was with him was wounded in the shooting. The incident is being investigated as a suspected hit, with police looking into possible motives.
The killing comes amid claims that Padayachee had recently received death threats, raising questions over whether he had been specifically targeted. A source close to the investigation told IOL that the threats may have been linked to business, but the motive for the shooting remains unknown. Padayachee was closely associated with Khan and had previously acted as a spokesperson for Khan's family during several high-profile developments involving the former senior police officer.
According to police, the incident began when a Fiat reportedly broke down on the highway and its driver called a friend for assistance. The friend arrived with two other people, including Padayachee. The group was attending to the vehicle when shots were fired. The driver attempted to flee but lost control and crashed into a jersey barrier, sustaining fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
One passenger sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment, while the third occupant managed to escape unharmed. Police are investigating murder and attempted murder, but no arrests have been made. The killing comes on the eve of Khan's scheduled appearance before the Madlanga Commission, where he is expected to testify in camera on Tuesday.
There is no indication from police that Khan's testimony is connected to Padayachee's killing. However, the incident has raised concerns about Khan's safety and the potential risks he may face. Khan has been ordered to give evidence before the Madlanga Commission on October 6, but his lawyers are disputing the terms of the subpoena.
Padayachee spoke publicly after Khan was shot in May and later responded to media reports following Khan's arrest. His killing has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for increased security measures to protect those involved in high-profile cases. The police have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The Madlanga Commission had previously ruled that Khan must give evidence before it, after he failed to appear despite an independent medical assessment having cleared the way for him to give evidence remotely. The commission is expected to lay criminal charges against Khan if he fails to comply with the subpoena. The investigation into Padayachee's killing is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
Key points
- Preggy Padayachee, uncle-in-law of Major-General Feroz Khan, shot dead on R21 highway in Ekurhuleni.
- The killing comes amid claims that Padayachee had recently received death threats.
- No arrests have been made, with police investigating murder and attempted murder.
