Witness says Maj-Gen Feroz Khan ‘pulled rank’ at R300m Aeroton cocaine bust

A witness at the Madlanga Commission has accused Maj-Gen Feroz Khan of taking control of a large 2021 drug operation in Aeroton, Gauteng, saying Khan “pulled rank” on officers who were leading the bust.

Who, what and where

The testimony came from a Hawks officer identified as Witness I, who said the operation in question was the July 2021 Aeroton arrest that led to the seizure of more than 700 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated R300 million. Witness I said he led the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau at the time.

Allegation of interference

Witness I told the commission that Khan arrived at the scene despite not being part of the investigating team and immediately asserted authority over officers responsible for handling the bust. The witness is reported to have said:

“Khan pulled rank on me,”

describing what he saw as unjustified interference in a Hawks-led operation.

Findings and related testimony

The commission heard that a report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) found it was improper for Khan, an intelligence officer, to be at a drug-bust scene. Hawks Lt-Col. Joseph Sebola also testified that Khan failed to secure and manage the scene properly, disrupting the collection of critical evidence.

Investigation shortcomings and wider probes

Evidence presented to the commission pointed to serious shortcomings in the original IPID investigation. The commission heard that the flawed IPID report triggered a chain reaction that ultimately shielded Khan from internal accountability.

Khan is also facing separate legal trouble: he was arrested alongside Gauteng Hawks head Ebrahim Kadwa on charges linked to the alleged unlawful possession and dealing of illicit precious metals. The pair deny the allegations. Khan remains on bail and is due back in court on 14 July 2026.

Electronic evidence and communications under review

The commission is examining data recovered from electronic devices seized from Khan after he withdrew court applications aimed at blocking investigators from accessing them. Investigators are also reviewing WhatsApp communications that involve Khan, EFF leader Julius Malema and businessman Mohammad Sayed.

The commission was told that Khan is expected to appear before it on 1 July.