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, has been at the centre of several controversies involving professional misconduct, political interference and private business interests.
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The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee have been 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.
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.
This was after 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.
This was after Khan was accused of defeating the ends of justice and bringing the SAPS into disrepute for allegedly interfering with the investigation after other officers reportedly tried to steal the narcotics.
However, Khan was acquitted of all charges in a disciplinary process in 2025. This was after he won an appeal after urgently applying to the Labour Court to prevent the police from instituting an expedited disciplinary process in 2024.
Mkhwanazi, in previous testimony to the Ad Hoc Committee, claimed that Cele asked him to persuade Major General Jabulani Khumalo—who was investigating Khan—to resign from the SAPS in exchange for a five-year position in Gauteng. Mkhwanazi described this as an attempt to derail the probe and stated he had not spoken to Cele since that day.
Cele, during his testimony, had denied allegations that he interfered in operational policing decisions, characterising his interactions as part of legitimate policy oversight. He described Mkhwanazi’s claims as “unfounded and misinformed".
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 also 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.
During his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, Crime Intelligence head General Dumisani Khumalo also 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.
MK Party MP, Vusi Shongwe, also expressed concern regarding the absence of Khan from the witness list.
Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said Khan should also respond to the Madlanga Commission and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee to allegations levelled against him.
“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? Whose responsibility is it to call witnesses to testify? Obviously, if he is doing bad things, then some powerful people would protect him,” said Ndlovu.
Security expert Andy Mashaile said that while he is hoping that the Ad Hoc Committee will explain its decision in its final report not to call Khan to testify, he believes that he will be called before the Madlanga Commission, as he is implicated as a key player enabling organised crime networks by frustrating the effectiveness and efficiency of policing.
Mashaile added that those responsible for promoting Khan as head of counter-intelligence must explain this move, based on the SAPS' human resources policies.
In 2023, Khan faced a public backlash for attending an EFF gala dinner, where he shared a table with individuals allegedly linked to illicit activities like cigarette smuggling, Adriano Mazzotti, who had previously donated to the EFF.
It was reported that Khan’s expensive ticket was purchased by Mohammadh Sayed, a close friend of Khan and business partner to Mazzotti.
Mkhwanazi also claimed that Khan introduced him to the 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”.
Concerns have also been raised regarding Khan managing substantial business interests while overseeing police security, with calls questioning the compatibility of these roles.
This was after Khan was identified as an active director of multiple lucrative businesses, including a motor parts chain, Spares Oasis, which is valued at approximately R21 million.
The organisation 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 was after Khan was alleged to have summoned MK Party parliamentarian Sibonelo Nomvalo to a private venue, where Nomvalo was compelled to engage with him via video call. During that exchange, Khan reportedly issued a thinly veiled warning, instructing him to “stop suffocating” him.
Asked to comment on this matter and other allegations levelled against Khan, SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said she will forward questions to relevant departments, but could not respond at the time of publication.
Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michael, responding to a question on whether Khan will be asked to appear, said the Commission does not comment in such detail on matters that arise from testimony.
manyane.manyan@inl.co.za