By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the dismissal of suspended deputy head of crime intelligence Major General Feroz Khan from the Service.
Khan was deemed dismissed on 2 September in terms of Regulation 9(7)(b) of the SAPS Discipline Regulations following his failure to appear before the designated senior officer responsible for the expeditious disciplinary process.
The dismissal comes just two months after Khan survived an assassination attempt in Houghton, Johannesburg, on 28 June.
The shooting occurred whilst Khan was scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality and corruption within the police force.
Due to concerns over the validity of his medical excuses, commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga postponed Khan’s testimony to 28 September with strict conditions.
Khan must appear in person on that date unless he voluntarily undergoes an independent medical assessment by a specialist to be jointly selected by 08 September.
Khan’s legal team, representing him through the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, had attempted to halt the disciplinary process through the Labour Court.
On 31 August, Judge Connie Prinsloo struck the urgent application from the roll, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the matter did not meet the requirements for urgency. The court also ordered the union to pay SAPS legal costs.
“Major General Khan was deemed dismissed in terms of Regulation 9 of the SAPS Discipline Regulations, following his failure to appear before the designated senior officer responsible for dealing with the expeditious disciplinary process,” Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said.
“SAPS reiterates its commitment to accountability, discipline and professional conduct within the organisation. No member, regardless of rank or position, is above the law.”
Mathe reiterated SAPS commitment to accountability, discipline and professional conduct within the organisation. No member, regardless of rank or position, is above the law or the applicable disciplinary framework.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson Lisa Schickerling said the dismissal of Khan from the South African Police Service must be the first of many, until all of the crooked cops are removed from office.
“This is a first step, and must lead to more, said Schickerling.
“It cannot continue that over 20 senior officers and senior officials remain on suspension, without their matters being drawn to the obvious conclusion.”
Increasing evidence of corruption, organised crime, capture of the police, collaboration with gangsters, and the perversion of the service demands action – not delays, added Schickerling.
Meanwhile Khan, was not in court for the second time, Gauteng Hawks head Ebrahim Kadwa and businessman Tariq Downes are facing charges that include corruption, defeating the ends of justice and contravening the Precious Metals Act.
The three men were arrested on 10 May 2026 in connection with a 2021 incident at OR Tambo International Airport, where 75.9 grams of raw gold, valued at R62 836, were seized. They are currently out on bail. The matter was postponed to 27 November 2026.