Testify or be subjected to medical examination: Madlanga sets September 28 deadline

The Commission Madlanga has delayed the testimony of Crime Intelligence deputy Feroz Khan until September 28 following his recent hospitalization and inability to attend proceedings on Tuesday. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the chair of the Commission, granted Khan's lawyers' request for additional time and opposed the appointment of an independent medical examiner.

However, Madlanga set stringent conditions for Khan's absence on the set date. The deputy will only be exempt from testifying on September 28 if he undergoes an independent medical evaluation by September 8. The appointed specialist must be mutually agreed upon by Khan's representatives and the Commission's evidence leaders. The resulting medical report must be submitted by September 15 to demonstrate Khan's medical incapacity to testify.

In case the parties cannot agree on a specialist, an independent medical professional will be designated by the chairperson of the South African Society of Psychiatrists. Additionally, Khan is obligated to submit his remaining sworn statement by September 2026. The chairperson of the Commission mentioned that Khan's diagnosed conditions might be made public, but detailed information about his clinical symptoms, treatment, and family circumstances must remain private.

Khan was readmitted to the hospital over the weekend, just before his scheduled appearance. The Commission emphasized that his subpoena remains legally enforceable despite his hospitalization.