HOUGHTON, Gauteng — A comprehensive, high-level investigation has been launched into the Feroz Khan shooting, which left the suspended Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence in critical condition after an ambush at his residence. The attack on the senior police officer occurred just days before he was slated to deliver crucial testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The violent incident unfolded late in the evening as the general arrived at his Houghton home. According to preliminary reports from the scene, Khan was behind the wheel of a silver Suzuki when a white Mercedes Benz pulled up alongside him. Gunmen inside the Mercedes allegedly discharged two rounds, striking Khan. He was swiftly transported to Milpark Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in a critical state. Police tape continues to secure the area as forensics and investigators piece together the ballistic and circumstantial evidence.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially classified the incident as an attempted assassination, deploying a formidable multi-agency investigative net. The probe will be a joint effort involving the Hawks, SAPS Detective Services, Crime Intelligence, and the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The acting national commissioner specifically mandated the inclusion of the PKTT, a specialized unit that has previously delved into allegations of systemic interference within law enforcement and continues to investigate those claims.
The timing of the ambush is highly significant to the ongoing judicial inquiry. Khan’s legal representatives were working around the clock over the weekend and late into the night to finalize his defense. He was scheduled to take the stand before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday. Although Khan had previously sought court interdicts to halt the commission’s proceedings and challenged the seizure of his electronic devices, he had ultimately committed to appearing and facing a barrage of allegations leveled against him and other police officials.
Central to his impending testimony were serious claims linked to Vumumuzi Matala. During a grueling six-hour interrogation following his arrest, Matala reportedly implicated Khan. Matala alleged that the suspended deputy head demanded a R2.5 million bribe and played an instrumental role in facilitating the controversial Medicare 24 contract. Khan was expected to refute or address these allegations directly before the commission.
The brazen attack has reignited severe concerns regarding the safety of witnesses participating in the Madlanga Commission, which has been plagued by reports of intimidation. Businessman Suliman Karim previously testified that he, his family, and his workforce of 1,500 employees were subjected to severe threats aimed at silencing him. Such dangers have forced numerous other witnesses to successfully apply for their testimonies to be heard in camera to protect their identities and their families.
In the wake of the ambush, public speculation has surged regarding the authenticity of the attack, largely due to the vehicle Khan was driving. SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe addressed these rumors, firmly stating that no individual would go to such extreme, life-threatening lengths to stage their own assassination. However, she acknowledged that skepticism exists because another commission witness, Brown Mogotsi, is currently facing criminal charges for allegedly faking his own hit. Furthermore, the KZN provincial commissioner previously noted in a parliamentary briefing that Khan is known for driving a fleet of luxury vehicles, making his choice of a modest silver Suzuki on the day of the attack highly unusual and fueling unfounded theories.
Beyond the Medicare 24 contract, Khan’s anticipated testimony also touched upon his prominent role in the massive Aeroton drug bust. He was highly visible during that operation alongside General Ebrahim Karda. Both generals have faced lingering public speculation regarding their ties to the syndicates behind the seized narcotics. Both Khan and Karda are still scheduled to face the Madlanga Commission to answer questions regarding the Aeroton bust, though Khan’s critical condition now casts doubt on his immediate appearance.