Suspended Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan is fighting for his life after surviving what police believe was a targeted shooting in Houghton, Johannesburg, late on Sunday night — just days before he was due to testify at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Khan was shot at approximately 23:00 on Sunday evening in 3rd Avenue, Houghton, after being approached by gunmen travelling in a white Mercedes-Benz.
According to preliminary reports, two unidentified suspects opened fire on him before fleeing the scene. Investigators later recovered at least two spent bullet casings. Reports indicate that Khan sustained gunshot wounds to his lower body.
He was rushed to Netcare Milpark Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He remains in critical condition.
The Gauteng Hawks, Gauteng Crime Intelligence and the SAPS Detective Service are jointly investigating the attempted murder.
Police Urge Caution Amid Speculation
The timing of the attack — mere days before Khan was scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission — has raised questions about a possible motive. However, police have strongly cautioned against drawing conclusions.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said:
“While SAPS is aware of public speculation regarding the timing of the attack, it is premature and irresponsible to speculate on any possible motive or to conclude that the incident is linked to his anticipated appearance before the commission. Detectives will follow evidence wherever it leads.”
The warning comes as public interest intensifies around the commission, which is probing serious allegations including corruption, drug theft and involvement in the illicit precious metals trade.
Khan had been expected to testify before the inquiry on Wednesday, July 1. His appearance was anticipated after he abandoned court attempts to block his testimony and to prevent investigators from accessing his electronic devices.
His testimony was regarded as a potentially pivotal moment in proceedings that have already placed Crime Intelligence under sharp scrutiny.
Political Killings Task Team Brought In
In response to the attack, the acting national commissioner of police, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, has ordered that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) be incorporated into the investigation.
Mathe confirmed:
“The South African Police Service views any attempt to intimidate, silence or attack any individual involved in judicial processes in the most serious light and any attempt to interfere with the administration of justice or the work of the commission will be met with the full might of the law.”
She added that the Acting National Commissioner has further directed that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) be incorporated into the investigation to ensure that every possible lead is pursued and that those responsible are brought to book.
Dimpane condemned the shooting and said no resources would be spared in identifying, tracing and arresting those responsible.
She also wished Khan a speedy recovery.
A Crucial Moment for the Commission
The shooting comes at a particularly sensitive stage in the Madlanga Commission’s work. The inquiry is examining explosive allegations relating to corruption within Crime Intelligence, the alleged theft of drugs from police evidence stores, and the shadowy trade in illicit precious metals.
Khan’s anticipated testimony was expected to address issues central to the commission’s mandate. His decision to withdraw legal efforts aimed at halting his appearance had cleared the way for his questioning under oath.
The abrupt and violent attempt on his life has now cast uncertainty over whether he will be able to appear as scheduled.
While police have not confirmed any link between the shooting and the commission, the overlap in timing is likely to intensify scrutiny as investigators work to establish motive.
Mathe reiterated the warning against premature conclusions:
“It is premature and irresponsible to speculate on any possible motive or to conclude that the incident is linked to his anticipated appearance before the Commission.”
Targeted Attack Under Investigation
Law enforcement sources indicate that the nature of the attack suggests planning and intent. The suspects reportedly approached Khan in a white Mercedes-Benz and opened fire before fleeing the area.
At this stage, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been publicly identified.
The involvement of the Hawks and the Political Killings Task Team signals that authorities are treating the case with the utmost seriousness. The PKTT has previously handled politically sensitive assassinations and high-profile targeted killings.
Police have not disclosed whether Khan had security protection at the time of the attack or whether any prior threats had been reported.
Mounting Pressure on Crime Intelligence
The shooting further destabilises an already embattled Crime Intelligence division, which has faced sustained allegations of misconduct and internal factional battles.
Khan, as a senior and suspended figure within the unit, occupies a contentious position in a structure that has been under repeated review and reform efforts.
The attempted assassination now places both his personal safety and the integrity of ongoing judicial processes under renewed focus.
For investigators, the immediate priority remains establishing who was behind the attack and why.
For the commission, the question is whether a key witness will be able to testify as scheduled.
For now, police insist that the investigation will proceed methodically and without fear or favour.
“This is a developing story,” officials confirmed, as authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue leads in what has rapidly become one of the most sensitive cases facing law enforcement this year.
