Malema responds to Madlanga commission allegations linked to Feroz Khan

Proceedings focused on messages involving Khan

The inquiry resumed on 7 July 2026 with evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson presenting WhatsApp exchanges between Khan and alleged tobacco smuggler Mohammedh Sayed. The messages were described in evidence as suggesting a relationship that involved Malema, and as indicating that the three allegedly worked together in efforts to remove former Inspector General of Intelligence Selumanthuro Dintwe.

The commission heard that the messages indicate Malema may have received sensitive information from Khan, including the identity and address of a VBS Mutual Bank curator who had initiated corruption charges against him. The messages also raised allegations that Malema supported Khan in avoiding disciplinary action related to financial misconduct.

Allegations on procurement and Bertobrite

The WhatsApp exchanges shown to the commission were said to suggest Malema’s potential involvement in procurement matters, including discussions about a South African Police Service fleet management tender. In one exchange, Sayed allegedly referenced a company named Bertobrite, saying information about its bid came from “Juju“. The company has previously been linked, in the commission record, to allegations of bribery over a City of Tshwane fuel tender.

Malema’s affidavit and response

Malema submitted a sworn affidavit in response to claims in an affidavit by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo that questioned his links to Carnilinx CEO Adriano Mazzotti. In his statement Malema:

• acknowledged that Mazzotti donated R600 000 to the EFF to assist with the party’s registration;
• said his wife “used to reside at a property that is in the same complex precinct” as Mazzotti and described the arrangement as under a “lease agreement“;
• rejected media reports that he and his family stayed at Mazzotti’s Sandton penthouse “gratuitously“.

On the WhatsApp material, Malema said he could not confirm their authenticity. He wrote:

“I evidently cannot confirm whether these extracts are a true recording of their engagements or the authenticity of those extracts. Only they can. I do not understand why the commission requires me to confirm. I simply record this point to note that my response will be curtailed to claims that are in my personal knowledge and relating to me.”

Malema added that, as a Member of Parliament, he routinely receives information from members of the public, including law enforcement officials, to hold public figures such as Dintwe accountable. He referenced a meeting with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after the February 2023 murder of musician Kiernan “AKA” Forbes.

Responding to allegations relating to VBS and procurement irregularities, Malema said:

“I do not have knowledge of the exchanges between Mr Sayed and General Khan. I deny any influence that the contents of these paragraphs to the extent they infer any unlawful conduct on my part. To the best of my knowledge, I deny any Bertobrite bribery of the EFF.”

Commission’s next steps unclear

The commission has not indicated whether Malema will be summoned to testify in person. After proceedings paused for in-camera hearings, commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels told reporters:

“Let’s see. This matter is in the hands of the evidence leaders, and obviously the commission is seeking to be fair to all those who have been implicated as we have seen consistently.”

Michaels also confirmed the commission is engaging with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office about a possible extension of its deadline, which is currently set for 31 August.

Context on Khan

The commission’s focus on Khan comes while he is in hospital after sustaining serious gunshot injuries in what was described in the record as an attempted hit last month.