The Madlanga Commission has heard that WhatsApp messages allegedly reveal how suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan assisted controversial tobacco businessman Mohamed “Mo” Sayed in pursuing South African Police Service (SAPS) Covid-19 supply contracts.
The evidence was presented on Friday after Khan’s witness statement was read into the record in his absence. Khan is recovering in hospital after being shot in Johannesburg on Sunday night.
Madlanga Commission Examines WhatsApp Messages Involving Feroz Khan
The Madlanga Commission heard that parts of Khan’s testimony would not be presented during public proceedings because they relate to sensitive information and ongoing investigations.
Evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim said public disclosure of certain details could place individuals at risk. A new application for private proceedings is expected after an earlier request was refused.
The commission focused on WhatsApp conversations recovered from Khan’s cellphone. The device was seized by police on 10 May following his arrest on corruption charges linked to an alleged illicit precious metals syndicate.
WhatsApp Chats Detail Alleged SAPS Covid-19 Procurement Discussions
According to the evidence presented, the WhatsApp exchanges show Sayed allegedly approaching Khan for assistance in securing SAPS business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On 12 January 2021, Sayed allegedly asked Khan who he should contact to obtain a contract to supply SAPS-branded face masks. Khan allegedly replied by asking for product samples and pricing, indicating that he would engage the official responsible for procurement.
The commission heard that Sayed later sent quotations and product samples for various Covid-19 personal protective equipment. Months later, he allegedly contacted Khan again, requesting information from “Fanie” about how the contract had been registered.
The commission identified “Fanie” as suspended SAPS divisional commissioner for supply chain management Molefe Fani, who was serving as acting head of procurement at the National Treasury at the time.
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Further exchanges allegedly showed Sayed requesting details about planned purchases of Covid-19 test kits and protective masks, while Khan allegedly shared procurement requirements for several police divisions.
Commission Hears Allegations Of Procurement Facilitation
The commission also heard that Sayed allegedly urged Khan to speed up the procurement process. When delays persisted, Khan allegedly shared Fani’s contact details, allowing Sayed to communicate with him directly. Another senior SAPS official, identified only as “Gen1”, was also mentioned in the exchanges.
Hassim argued that the messages suggested Khan acted as a facilitator rather than distancing himself from the requests. “The first thing to do would be not to facilitate the process.”
She told the commission there was no evidence that Khan rejected Sayed’s requests, advised him that the conduct was inappropriate or reported the matter to authorities.
The inquiry also heard evidence relating to an information technology contract involving the National Treasury and a private company, which Hassim alleged was facilitated by Khan and Fani.
Meanwhile, Carnilinx, where Sayed serves as a director, rejected allegations linking the company to criminal conduct. In written submissions, the tobacco manufacturer said it is a legally registered South African business operating under the required licences and SARS oversight.
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The company also disputed reliance on a 2014 affidavit alleging historical tax and customs violations, arguing that it does not prove current unlawful conduct or support claims that Carnilinx is part of a criminal enterprise.
The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue hearing Khan’s testimony on Monday.
