Feroz Khan dismissed by SAPS after disciplinary no-show

Major-General Feroz Khan, the deputy head of Crime Intelligence for the South African Police Service, has faced mounting scrutiny over allegations from various sources. These allegations range from his involvement in a cocaine bust to claims of political and business connections. Khan was dismissed from his position after failing to appear before the disciplinary proceedings handling his case.

Despite this dismissal, he is still expected to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where further allegations will be examined.

One of the earliest controversies involved the seizure of 715kg of cocaine at a Scania warehouse in Aeroton, Johannesburg, in 2021. Witnesses alleged that Khan was involved in the operation and attempted to take credit for the bust. Another internal disciplinary process linked to the Aeroton operation was also part of the controversy, with allegations of misleading information presented during the proceedings.

Khan's name gained prominence in the police corruption saga following Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's press conference on July 6, 2025. Mkhwanazi accused Khan of interference and corruption within the police service. Khan was subsequently arrested in May alongside other officials in a case involving illicit dealings in precious metals. However, these criminal allegations are separate from the Madlanga Commission's inquiry.

The most explosive allegation emerged in June when MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe testified that he had been offered R10 million, a security tender, and bulletproof BMWs to stop him from pursuing questions about Khan. Shongwe also testified about a video call where Khan became emotional, telling him, "You are suffocating me." Another strand of the saga involved retired Hawks Colonel Kobus Roelofse, who alleged that former prosecutor and Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Advocate Andrea Johnson sent Khan's 2018 assault docket to a Crime Intelligence officer before he had given his warning statement.

On June 28, Khan was shot in Houghton, Johannesburg, but survived the incident. The Madlanga Commission had to consider his fitness to testify, with no established motive for the shooting. As Khan was unable to testify, the commission continued to hear evidence concerning his alleged dealings.