Suspended Deputy Crime Intelligence Chief Major General Feroz Khan Survives Attack

Johannesburg. One of South Africa's most senior police officers, suspended Deputy Crime Intelligence chief Major General Feroz Khan, has survived an attack. 

He was shot at while driving home in Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Khan, who was injured by the bullet, was immediately taken to the hospital for emergency surgery, local media reported.

This attack occurred just a few days before Khan was to testify before the commission investigating criminal activities within the South African police organization. South African police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement on Monday that the police are investigating the shooting incident involving Khan. She said, 'It would be premature and irresponsible to speculate on any possible motive or to conclude that this incident is linked to his upcoming appearance before the commission.'

The investigation committee, known as the 'Madlanga Commission,' was formed after senior police official Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged in July that organized criminal groups had infiltrated the government. Khan was summoned to testify before the commission after his name was repeatedly linked to an unsuccessful drug operation in Johannesburg in 2021. 

According to the local online newspaper 'Daily Maverick,' Khan was preparing to be questioned about his alleged connections with the fiery politician Julius Malema and political fixer Brown Mngomezulu. Khan had previously been arrested in May along with another senior police officer and a businessman on charges of illegal gold smuggling. 

In 2021, a businessman was found with 75.9 grams of unrefined gold at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. During questioning, the businessman claimed he was working as an intelligence agent for senior police officials. 

However, investigators found that no official intelligence operation related to precious metals was being conducted at that time. Prosecutors stated in May that Khan and another official had instructed their subordinates to release the businessman. 

Khan has not commented on these allegations so far, and he had been released on bail.