‘Who Is Protecting Him?’ Calls for Feroz Khan to Testify After Mkhwanazi’s Scathing Allegations

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee are being urged to summon the head of counter-intelligence within the SAPS Crime Intelligence division, Feroz Khan, who has been accused of being “a political fixer” and politically protected.

The Allegations

Khan, who joined the police service in 1991, has been at the centre of several controversies involving professional misconduct, political interference, and private business interests.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, recently claimed that Khan received protection from senior politicians to shield him from investigations.

During his testimony before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee, Mkhwanazi alleged that former Police Minister Bheki Cele pressured him in 2021 to protect Khan during an investigation into a massive drug bust.

Khan was accused of defeating the ends of justice and bringing SAPS into disrepute for allegedly interfering with the investigation after other officers reportedly tried to steal narcotics. He was acquitted of all charges in a disciplinary process in 2025.

Mkhwanazi also described the vetting unit, under Khan, as a “dirty office” that allegedly uses its power to delay or obstruct security clearances for integrity officers while protecting others.

He revealed that his top-secret security clearance expired in 2018, and despite applying for renewal, he has not received clearance, adding that Khan has deliberately obstructed this process.

He further claimed that Khan’s influence reaches into the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and other external networks, effectively “shaping conduct” beyond the police force.

The Khan-Mogotsi Link

During his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, Crime Intelligence head General Dumisani Khumalo indicated that Khan was close to controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi, through WhatsApp messages.

This was after Mogotsi allegedly facilitated communication between suspected drug kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and Khan.

Despite being heavily implicated, Khan did not appear before the Madlanga Commission.

Political Analyst Weighs In

Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said Khan should respond to the allegations.

“He has been implicated in serious allegations of misconduct that include intimidation, abuse of authority, and being friends with criminal elements. The question is, who is protecting him? Why has he not been called to testify before the Madlanga Commission and the Parliament Ad Hoc committee?”

Security Expert’s View

Security expert Andy Mashaile said he hopes the Ad Hoc Committee will explain its decision not to call Khan to testify, but believes he will be called before the Madlanga Commission, as he is implicated as a key player enabling organised crime networks.

Mashaile added that those responsible for promoting Khan as head of counter-intelligence must explain this move, based on SAPS’ human resources policies.

The EFF Gala Dinner

In 2023, Khan faced public backlash for attending an EFF gala dinner, where he shared a table with individuals allegedly linked to illicit activities like cigarette smuggling.

It was reported that Khan’s lavish ticket was purchased by Mohammadh Sayed, a close friend of Khan and business partner to Adriano Mazzotti, who had previously donated to the EFF.

Mkhwanazi also claimed that Khan introduced him to EFF leader Julius Malema in a meeting where Khan “bragged” about his access to high-profile politicians.

Malema has since denied any corrupt ties, stating that while he knows Khan, Mkhwanazi is dragging his name into internal police disputes to “fight Khan.”

Business Interests

Concerns have also been raised regarding Khan managing substantial business interests while overseeing police security.

Khan was identified as an active director of multiple lucrative businesses, including a motor parts chain, Spares Oasis, valued at approximately R21 million.

Calls for Suspension

Public Interest SA recently called on National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to suspend Khan pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into serious allegations of misconduct.

This followed allegations that Khan had summoned MK Party parliamentarian Sibonelo Nomvalo to a private venue, where Khan reportedly issued a thinly veiled warning, instructing him to “stop suffocating” him.

No Comment

SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said she would forward questions to relevant departments but could not respond at the time of publication.

Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michael said the Commission does not comment in such detail on matters that arise from testimony.

The Bottom Line

Khan has been accused of political fixing, misconduct, and protecting criminals. He has been linked to Mogotsi, Matlala, and the EFF.

He has not testified. He has not been suspended. And the question remains: who is protecting him?