Madlanga Commission | Evidence raises questions about Khan’s alleged links to Malema

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard evidence suggesting that suspended Deputy Crime Intelligence head, Major-General Feroz Khan, shared information relating to criminal cases with his associates and maintained contact with prominent political figures.

The commission continued reading evidence into the record against Khan in his absence on Tuesday as he recovers at Milpark Hospital following an apparent attempt on his life last week.

Evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, presented a series of messages allegedly exchanged between Khan and Carnilinx Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mohammad Sayed.

Among them was message in which Sayed allegedly sent Khan a criminal case number.

“We see that at 15 June 2021 Mr Sayed says ‘need to know complaint in the case number’. He gives the case number and says Juju bro” said Chaskalson.

Advocate Chaskalson said the message suggested the case number had been sent on behalf of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema.

The commission also heard that on 10 June 2021, Sayed allegedly forwarded at least six messages to Khan purportedly from Malema.

The messages included an Operation Dudula poster calling for supporters to join a protest against undocumented migrants in Diepkloof on 16 June.

The following day, Khan allegedly sent Sayed, a list of questions he believed Malema should pose to the Intelligence Inspector-General, Setlhomamaru Dintwe, during an appearance before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.

Sayed also allegedly forwarded a separate set of questions that former Police Minister Bheki Cele should be asked during his appearance before the committee, claiming they had come from Malema.

Chaskalson suggested the purpose of the questions was to corner the minister and Inspector-General into making false statements before Parliament that could later be used to justify their removal from office.

The commission also examined messages in which Khan’s associates allegedly sought his assistance with criminal investigations.

In one exchange dated 28 September 2021, Ismail Vally allegedly asked Khan to check information relating to a Hawks commercial crime investigation.

The messages further show Khan assuring Vally that he would always be available to assist him when needed.

Chaskalson also told the commission that businessman, Sanjay Jodia, co-director of the luxury vehicle workshop 357 with Ismail Vally, allegedly sent Khan a criminal case number in March 2021.

– Commission open to short extension –

Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission says it would welcome a short extension to its mandate should President Cyril Ramaphosa approve one.

The remarks follow the President’s indication that he is open to considering a request to extend the commission’s term if necessary.

Commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, said several key witnesses still need to testify and additional time may be required to ensure all relevant evidence is heard.

While acknowledging that unforeseen developments could require further extensions, Micheals said the commission remains committed to completing its work as efficiently as possible.

Public hearings are expected to conclude at the end of July, with the commission’s final report due to President Cyril Ramaphosa by 31 August.

– Matlala’s testimony postponed –

The commission also declined to confirm whether alleged underworld figure, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, will testify virtually or in person when he appears before the inquiry on 15 July.

Matlala, who had been subpoenaed to testify on Tuesday, agreed to appear on condition that he is not questioned about the SAPS Medicare24 Tshwane District tender matter, which is the subject of a separate investigation.

His appearance was postponed after both the commission’s legal team and Matlala’s lawyers requested additional time to finalise his supplementary witness statement and supporting documents.

Commission chair Justice, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, granted the application and directed that the supplementary statement be filed by Wednesday.

Although Matlala appeared virtually for the postponement application, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the arrangements for his testimony next week have not yet been finalised.

“We confirmed that Mr Matlala had been subpoenaed and later clarified that he would appear virtually for the postponement application. As for how his testimony will proceed next week, we will make an announcement in due course,” Michaels said.

Evidence leader Advocate, Mahlaphe Sello, told the commission that despite ongoing engagements with Matlala’s legal team, his supplementary statement and the accompanying bundle of exhibits are still being finalised.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao