The Political Killings Task Team will be part of investigations into the attempted assassination of Major General Feroz Khan.  

The national SAPS confirmed that the suspended senior Crime Intelligence officer was shot on Third Avenue in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Sunday night. According to reports, the incident happened near his home in the area.  

It’s believed that two men driving a white Mercedes-Benz opened fire on Khan.  

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a high-level investigation following the attempted assassination of Major General Feroz Khan,” said SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.  

The national SAPS spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, noted that the Hawks, SAPS Detective Service and Khan’s department of Crime Intelligence are also involved in the investigation.

The shooting comes just days before Khan’s scheduled appearance before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, 1 July. Earlier this month, the Commission advised that his testimony is key to the Commission’s work because of the “numerous serious allegations which have been made against him and other implicated SAPS officers, as well as other individuals”. 

Meanwhile, Khan has also been appearing in court, alongside Hawks head in Gauteng, Ebrahim Kadwa, in connection with a case of unlawful dealing and possession of illicit precious metals. 

Nonetheless, Mathe said the police ministry views Sunday’s incident in the most serious light. 

“The South African Police Service views any attempt to intimidate, silence or attack any individual involved in judicial processes in the most serious light and any attempt to interfere with the administration of justice or the work of the commission will be met with the full might of the law.” 

Mathe cautioned the public against speculation that the attack may be linked to Khan’s scheduled appearance at the Commission, noting that “detectives will follow evidence where it leads”. 

“While SAPS is aware of public speculation regarding the timing of the attack, it is premature and irresponsible to speculate on any possible motive or to conclude that the incident is linked to his anticipated appearance before the Commission.” 

Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has condemned the incident and assured the public that no resource will be spared in the investigation.  

“Lieutenant General Dimpane has wished Major General Khan a speedy recovery and her thoughts are also with his family during this period,” said Mathe.