Feroz Khan’s sick note was allegedly backdated after SAPS received it, Madlanga Commission hears

According to Advocate Adila Hassim, the medical certificate submitted by Feroz Khan's treating doctor to the police was later backdated and amended. Khan, a deputy at Crime Intelligence, was subpoenaed to appear before the Madlanga Commission over allegations of manipulating tenders and helping other forces. His lawyer, Mohamed Vally, argued that Khan was admitted to the hospital and requested a postponement.

However, Hassim presented the disputed medical certificate, highlighting inconsistencies in the dates and medical information. She claimed that Khan's doctor initially issued a certificate dated May 22, stating he would return to work on June 30, but another certificate produced on August 20 altered the return-to-work date to June 27 and added a diagnosis of extreme stress and depression.

The affidavit supporting the altered certificate suggested that Khan's son had requested the date change due to "minor bureaucratic difficulties." The original doctor had initially refused further explanation but later warned Khan's son that changing the certificate could be fraudulent. The police, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, had already received the original certified and requested additional information about Khan's diagnosis, not to alter the date.

Vally rejected the relevance of the document, while Hassim argued it was crucial for an independent medical assessment. However, the commission's chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, did not grant Khan a postponement or require an independent medical examination.