KEMPTON PARK — Two of South Africa’s most senior police officials and a businessman appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing charges of criminal misconduct and obstructing justice. The high-profile case involves allegations of an illegal gold transaction and the subsequent interference in a criminal investigation.
The accused are Major-General Feroz Khan, the Head of Counter-Intelligence in the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division, and Major-General Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa, the Gauteng Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. They appeared alongside businessman Tariq Downes following an investigation into an incident that occurred at OR Tambo International Airport in May 2021.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Downes was found in possession of 75.9 grams of unwrought gold, valued at approximately R62,836. When questioned by authorities at the airport, Downes reportedly claimed the material was a brass bar and asserted that he was acting as an undercover agent for senior police officials.
The State alleges that subsequent investigations revealed no authorised undercover operation involving precious metals existed at the time. Prosecutors further allege that Major-Generals Khan and Kadwa instructed junior officers to release Downes from custody despite the lack of official documentation supporting his claims of being an operative.
The court granted all three accused bail of R20,000 each with specific conditions. This case has drawn significant public attention due to the seniority of the officers involved, as both lead critical divisions responsible for national security and the investigation of organised crime.
Outside the court, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the arrests demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to transparency and rooting out corruption within its ranks. She emphasized that no individual is above the law, regardless of their position or rank.
The matter has been postponed to July for further proceedings. The NPA has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for all citizens, specifically those in positions of high authority.
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