‘No member above the law,’ Saps say as Feroz Khan dismissed from service

The South African Police Service (Saps) has confirmed that suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan has been dismissed from service. Khan's dismissal occurred after a legal setback on Monday when the Labour Court dismissed his urgent request to halt a disciplinary process that could result in job loss. The disciplinary inquiry found Khan guilty of misconduct and bringing the Saps into disrepute while recovering from injuries sustained in a shooting in June.

Khan approached the Labour Court after an expeditious disciplinary inquiry decided on his guilt on 12 August, with a recommendation for dismissal. However, he missed the 13 August hearing despite being offered a virtual opportunity to participate. The Saps' national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, stated that Khan's absence led to his dismissal as he failed to appear before the designated officer responsible for the expeditious disciplinary process.

Mathe reiterated Saps' commitment to accountability, discipline, and professional conduct within the organization. She emphasized that "no member, regardless of rank or position, is above the law or the applicable disciplinary framework." Parliament's police portfolio committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, welcomed the decision, noting that Khan had repeatedly resorted to litigation as the disciplinary process progressed.

Cameron stated, "Accountability cannot be litigated away." He also mentioned that criminal proceedings and outstanding matters before the Madlanga commission must now continue.

Khan's legal team confirmed receiving the Saps dismissal notice and plans to challenge his removal. The defence lawyers accused the state of delaying disclosure of documents related to a precious metals matter involving Khan and two others. The case was postponed to 27 November 2026, and Khan was scheduled to testify before the Madlanga commission on Tuesday, but he requested further postponement due to medical reasons.

The commission declined to force a medical examination but required Khan to voluntarily agree to an independent medical examination by a jointly appointed doctor and submit a medical report and his statement before any postponement could be considered.