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CrimeJohannesburg, South Africa

Senior South African Police Officer Survives Assassination Attempt

In Johannesburg, Deputy Crime Intelligence chief Feroz Khan narrowly escaped an assassination attempt as scrutiny over the police’s links to crime intensifies.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Deputy Crime Intelligence chief Feroz Khan outside court
Deputy Crime Intelligence chief Feroz Khan outside court

In brief

Deputy Crime Intelligence chief Maj‑Gen Feroz Khan was shot Sunday evening in Johannesburg, but survived after emergency surgery. The attack comes just days before he is set to testify at the Madlanga commission, which probes organised crime infiltration in the police force. Khan has been accused of illegal gold dealing and other fraud but has not yet commented on the shooting. Police are investigating the motive, while the murder of witnesses in the inquiry’s history underscores growing threats to those involved.

One of South Africa's senior police officers survived an assassination attempt in Johannesburg amid mounting scrutiny over alleged corruption within the police force.

Deputy Crime Intelligence boss Maj‑Gen Feroz Khan was shot Sunday evening while driving home. Police have said the officer was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery; he reported to recover with minor injuries.

The shooting comes days before Khan is scheduled to testify at the Madlanga commission, which probes organised crime infiltration into law enforcement. It follows recent allegations that Khan and two other officers were involved in illegal gold dealing.

Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe told reporters the investigation is ongoing and would not speculate on motives or link the attack to the upcoming inquiry. The murder of a witness in December and the death of another witness in 2021 underscore the mounting threats faced by those involved in the probe.

Khan has not commented on the shooting or on the criminal charges that led to his arrest in May. The inquiry remains a flashpoint for exposing systemic corruption within South Africa’s police.

Links related to the story: Police boss charged over controversial health contract, Police intelligence chief arrested on fraud allegations.

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