Shot dead days before Khan testimony: ‘Preggy’ Padayachee laid to rest as questions mount

Days before former Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan was set to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, his uncle-in-law, Pragasen "Preggy" Padayachee, was laid to rest in Johannesburg. Padayachee's funeral took place at Beyers Naude Service Road, Roosevelt, before his remains were transported to Brixton Hindu Crematorium on Thursday, 8 August 2026.

Described as a respected businessman, Padayachee's life was characterized not only by his achievements but also by his kindness, humility, and deep concern for others. Days after his own assassination on the R21 in Ekurhuleni, Khan was scheduled to give evidence behind closed doors on Tuesday.

Khan appeared remotely before the commission but his testimony was postponed following Padayachee's death. The Madlanga Commission has yet to set a new date. Questions have arisen regarding whether Padayachee's killing was intended as a warning to Khan ahead of his postponed testimony. Two theories have been proposed by security services.

The first suggests that Padayachee's murder may be connected to Khan's potential knowledge of organized crime, while the second theory posits that Padayachee's activities as a moneylender may have led someone to target him on the R21 highway.

Preliminary police information indicates that the driver of a broken-down Fiat contacted a friend for assistance. The friend arrived with two others, and shots were fired while they were helping the vehicle. The driver attempted to flee but lost control and crashed into a barrier. One person was killed and another wounded. Police have not yet established a motive.

Khan survived an attempted assassination outside his Houghton home on 28 June, just before he was due to appear before the commission for the first time. A security source noted that Padayachee was very close to Khan, having been among the first at Milpark Hospital after Khan's shooting.

Following Khan's attack, Padayachee publicly denounced those responsible, stating that "they must pay." This incident has led some to speculate about a possible message to Khan, warning him about his knowledge of illicit activities. The connection between Padayachee's murder and Khan's delayed testimony has prompted further investigation into potential links with individuals involved in other illicit trades.