The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday heard evidence relating to the alleged relationship between Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and suspended Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan. The evidence forms part of the commission’s ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct within law enforcement structures.
Proceedings focused on a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between Khan and tobacco businessman Mo Sayed. According to evidence presented before the commission, Sayed allegedly acted as an intermediary between Khan and Malema.
Khan was not present during Tuesday’s proceedings as he remains in hospital after being shot in June. His evidence was presented to the commission in his absence.
Madlanga Commission Examines WhatsApp Messages Linked To Julius Malema
The Madlanga Commission heard that the WhatsApp conversations did not indicate direct communication between Khan and Malema. Instead, messages intended for the EFF leader were allegedly passed through Sayed.
Evidence presented before the commission also suggested that in 2021, Khan prepared a list of questions for the EFF to ask Inspector-General of Intelligence Isaac Dintwe during a parliamentary appearance.
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According to evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson, the questions appeared to have been intended to encourage Dintwe to make statements that could implicate himself during the proceedings.
“In the midst of this exchange in relation to questions to the inspector-general, which General Khan wanted Mr Malema to organise, it has very much the appearance of a favour in return for a favour. An illegal favour in return for a favour.”
Questions For Parliament Also Raised Before Commission
The Julius Malema matter also includes evidence relating to questions allegedly intended for Parliament. The commission heard that Khan allegedly sent additional questions through Sayed for Malema to raise with then Police Minister Bheki Cele.
According to the evidence, the proposed parliamentary questions sought to determine whether Cele personally knew convicted drug dealer Timmy Marimuthu.
The commission has not made any findings regarding the allegations, and the evidence forms part of its ongoing inquiry into matters before it.
Feroz Khan Absent As Inquiry Continues
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The Madlanga Commission continues to examine evidence involving Feroz Khan despite his absence from the proceedings. Khan remains hospitalised after he was shot in June.
The inquiry is expected to continue hearing evidence relating to the WhatsApp messages and the alleged interactions involving Khan, Sayed and Malema as it investigates broader allegations concerning Crime Intelligence operations.
