Senior Crime Intelligence official Major General Feroz Khan is recovering in hospital after being shot in the abdomen in an apparent ambush in Houghton, Johannesburg, late on Sunday night — just days before he was due to testify before the Madlanga Commission.
Khan underwent emergency surgery after a bullet penetrated his abdomen. His attorney, Kylen Ghirao, confirmed on Monday that the operation was successful and that Khan is now in a stable condition.
“We got confirmation that the operation was successful. They did say he was stable, but there is further medical treatment that is required going forward,” Ghirao said.
Shot After Legal Preparations
The shooting occurred at about 23:00 on 3rd Avenue in Houghton, shortly after Khan had left a meeting with his legal team. According to Ghirao, they had spent several hours on Sunday preparing for Khan’s anticipated appearance before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday.
The legal team’s preparations were complicated by new disclosures made by the commission on Saturday evening — three files totalling approximately 11 000 pages.
“We were prepared to proceed at the commission, [but] after the additional disclosures, that put a spanner in the works on the basis that there were new things that surfaced,” Ghirao said.
“Now, one will ask themselves, is that a fair position to put any party to go and testify to the commission being challenged on the 11 000 pages and that you must be fully prepared by Wednesday?”
He added that while he was not suggesting the disclosures amounted to an “ambush” in legal terms, questions about fairness naturally arose given the timing.
Scene Details Raise Questions
A police report seen by News24 states that a passerby discovered Khan hanging out of the grey Suzuki Baleno he had been driving, with his legs still inside the vehicle.
Initially believing him to be intoxicated, the passerby approached him.
“The victim identified himself as Feroz Khan and informed him that he had been shot in the abdomen,” the report states.
Police said gunmen in a white Mercedes-Benz ambushed Khan. However, investigators found no bullet holes on the Suzuki Baleno.
“However, a projectile impact was identified on the road surface, and two spent cartridges were recovered,” the report states.
The vehicle — which was not the armoured car Khan had previously used — was searched, and his HP laptop was recovered from the spare wheel compartment.
A handwritten yellow note was also found at the scene. According to the report, the note stated that a case of defeating the ends of justice or contempt of court should be opened against Colonel Calvin Khorommbi, the investigating officer in the illegal gold-dealing case against Khan, and Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo. It suggested the matter be investigated by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
The vehicle has since been taken to Norwood SAPS for safekeeping as investigations continue.
Speculation Dismissed
The unusual circumstances — including the absence of bullet holes in the vehicle and the timing of the shooting — sparked speculation that the incident may have been staged.
Ghirao firmly rejected such suggestions.
“It’s unfortunate that it [happened] obviously very close to the date of his testimony, but one has to bear in mind that no sane person would take a bullet into the abdomen with the open intention that all your vital organs are in that space.
“I’m not a medical doctor, but it is obviously a concern that you would put your life at risk just to go and talk at a commission. I’m sure SAPS, once they have completed the investigations, would give the family answers,” he said.
Security and Communication Questions
The police report further notes that Khan was alone at the time of the shooting and was not accompanied by the security personnel he is known to have travelled with previously.
Khan’s ex-wife, Jenin, was reportedly contacted by an unknown individual who informed her that he had sustained a gunshot wound and that his laptop and cellphone had allegedly been robbed.
Yaseen Theba, director of Vision Tactical Security — a company that has worked closely with Khan’s anti-kidnapping unit — said emergency services received multiple calls after the incident. However, he clarified that the passerby did not directly contact Vision Tactical, but instead contacted a nearby residence, which then alerted a control room.
Commission Responds
Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed on Monday that the commission was aware of the shooting.
“We wish Major General Khan a speedy recovery. The commission is in contact with all necessary stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), regarding the situation.”
Michaels described Khan as a “key witness” and confirmed he had been scheduled to testify on Wednesday.
“The commission will be engaging with Major General Khan’s legal representatives during the course of today.
“In light of last night’s incident, we will in due course make an announcement regarding the commission’s programme for Wednesday,” he said.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have launched a full investigation into the shooting. The discovery of the handwritten note and the lack of visible damage to the vehicle are expected to form part of the forensic and ballistic analysis.
For now, Khan remains under medical care, with further treatment anticipated. Whether he will be fit to testify this week remains uncertain.
The case has added a dramatic new layer to proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, where Khan’s testimony was expected to be central to ongoing inquiries.
Authorities have urged caution against speculation as investigators work to establish precisely what happened on 3rd Avenue on Sunday night.
