Madlanga Commission | WhatsApp chats reveal alleged SAPS tender lobbying involving Khan and Carnilinx COO

Explosive WhatsApp exchanges between suspended Deputy Crime Intelligence head, Major-General Feroz Khan, and Carnilinx Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mohammad Sayed, have been revealed at the Madlanga Commission, allegedly showing Sayed pressuring Khan to help the company secure a South African Police Service (SAPS) COVID-19 tender.

Khan has been linked to Carnilinx through what the commission has described as a close personal, financial and political relationship with Sayed, the company’s co-founder and COO.

The commission examined the nature of that relationship on Friday as part of its inquiry into allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration within the country’s criminal justice system.

The proceedings continued in Khan’s absence after his legal team informed the commission earlier this week that he remains unconscious and heavily sedated at Milpark Hospital following an alleged attempt on his life.

Commission evidence leader, Advocate Adila Hassim, took the commission through a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between Khan and Sayed on 2 August 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In one of the messages, Sayed urged Khan to “tie up the Pilot and Gen1”, saying his company urgently needed “the order”.

Advocate Hassim explained who she believes Sayed was referring to.

“That first message which says ‘please tie the pilot and Gen1’. I’ve sent to the commissioners and I will show that ‘pilot’ is Molefe Fani. I can’t say exactly who Gen1 is. Whether it’s a code or some other person, I have not determined that yet,” said Hassim.

The following morning, Khan allegedly told Sayed he had followed up with “Gen1” the previous night and that “Gen1” would pursue “Pilot” on the matter.

Later that afternoon, Sayed continued pressing Khan to secure the PPE orders, urging him to get both “Gen1” and “Pilot” to intervene.

The commission also revealed WhatsApp exchanges allegedly showing Khan and Sayed discussing plans to target veteran journalist, Yusuf Abramjee.

The chats relate to a statement issued by Abramjee through his non-profit organisation, Tax Justice South Africa, title ‘Authorities to Blame for Tsunami of Illegal Tobacco Flooding South Africa’.

The statement accused law enforcement agencies of failing to curb the illicit tobacco trade and alleged that Carnilinx was among the companies benefiting from the illegal tobacco market.

WhatsApp messages dated 7 July 2021 allegedly show Khan and Sayed expressing frustration over the widely circulated statement.

Advocate Hassim also read several of Abramjee’s social media posts that were critical of Carnilinx, saying they appeared to further agitate both Sayed and Khan.

She further drew attention to messages in which Khan and Sayed allegedly discussed activating a “counter” against Abramjee and other journalists reporting critically on Carnilinx, raising concerns about possible attempts to intimidate members of the media.

Meanwhile, Carnilinx has rejected allegations that it improperly used state institutions to target its competitors.

The commission is considered a voluntary affidavit submitted by the company linked to tobacco tycoon, Adriano Mazzoti, in which it seeks to clear its name of allegations raised in various media reports.

In the affidavit, Carnilinx argues that while media reports may contribute to public debate, they do not constitute primary evidence of criminal conduct.

The company says allegations of such a seriousness should be supported by reliable and independently verifiable evidence before being placed before the commission.

Advocate Hassim read the company’s statement into the record, including its assertion that Carnilinx operates as a responsible corporate entity.

“There is nothing improper about providing information to SARS, SAPS, or any other competent authority. One such information is provided and  investigative enforcement decisions remain in the relevent authority acting under its own statutory powers. Carnilinx has never exercised control over the investigative functions of SARS, SAPS, or any other bid of state,” she said.

Carnilinx says it submitted the affidavit voluntarily because it believes it has a duty to place its version before the commission and protect its reputation and commercial standing.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao