Investigators weigh whether Preggy Padayachee’s killing was a warning to Feroz Khan

Investigators are exploring two main theories after the killing of Preggy Padayachee, an uncle-in-law and close confidant of former Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan, The Citizen reports. The case has prompted questions about whether the shooting was intended as a message linked to Khan or arose from Padayachee’s moneylending activities.

Two lines of inquiry, according to The Citizen

According to The Citizen, a security services source said authorities were working with two theories. The first is that Padayachee’s murder may be connected to Khan and what Khan might know about organised crime. The second theory considers Padayachee’s activities as a moneylender and the possibility that he was lured to the R21 highway by someone who owed him money.

Timing and effect on Madlanga Commission testimony

The Citizen reports that Padayachee was killed on Monday evening, hours before Khan was due to give evidence behind closed doors. His death prompted the postponement of Khan’s in‑camera testimony at the Madlanga Commission; a new date had not been determined, The Citizen said.

Account of the shooting

The Citizen said police preliminary information indicated the driver of a Fiat experienced a breakdown and contacted a friend for assistance. The friend arrived with two other people and shots were fired while they were attending to the vehicle. The driver attempted to escape, lost control and crashed into a barrier; one person was killed and another wounded. The Citizen noted that police have not publicly established a motive.

Padayachee’s relationship with Khan

The Citizen quoted a source saying Padayachee was “very close to former General Feroz Khan” and was one of the first people at Milpark Hospital after Khan was shot. The source recalled that Padayachee later spoke publicly on behalf of the family and said those responsible for the attack on Khan “must pay.”

Moneylending angle

The Citizen reported that the source claimed Padayachee had lent substantial amounts to high-stakes gamblers and at one stage “was the biggest moneylender at Gold Reef City Casino,” lending to high rollers in the privé at high interest. That line of inquiry, the source said, envisages that Padayachee agreed to meet someone who owed him money and was then lured to the side of the R21.

“At one stage, he was the biggest moneylender at Gold Reef City Casino,” the source told The Citizen.

The Citizen described an account in which Padayachee was initially asked to meet someone at Emperors Palace, the destination was changed while he was en route, and he agreed to meet on the side of the R21 where people may have been lying in wait.

Possibility the theories overlap

The Citizen said the source suggested the two theories might not be mutually exclusive. The source proposed that a gambler indebted to Padayachee could have been used to lure him so others could “send another message to Feroz,” quoting the source: “Well, lure Preggy to this, so that we can send another message to Feroz”.

Investigation status

The Citizen noted that investigators were examining these possibilities. Police had not publicly confirmed a motive at the time of reporting, The Citizen said.