Crime Intel. Head, Maj-Gen. Feroz Khan, has been implicated in the Covid-19 SAPS controversial tender.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
WhatsApp messages laid bare before the Madlanga Commission have allegedly exposed how suspended crime intelligence deputy head Maj-Gen. Feroz Khan helped controversial tobacco businessman Mohamed "Mo" Sayed pursue lucrative SAPS Covid-19 supply contracts.
The revelations emerged on Friday after the commission read Khan's witness statement into the record in his absence.
Khan is recovering in the hospital after being shot on Sunday night in Johannesburg.
Evidence leader advocate Adila Hassim told the commission that parts of Khan's evidence would not be heard in open proceedings because they involve sensitive information and ongoing investigations that could place individuals at risk.
A fresh application for private proceedings is expected after an earlier bid was dismissed.
Central to Friday's proceedings were WhatsApp conversations recovered from Khan's cellphone, which police seized on May 10 when he was arrested on corruption charges linked to an alleged illicit precious metals syndicate.
The commission heard that the exchanges painted a picture of Sayed repeatedly turning to Khan for help in securing SAPS business during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to chats, on January 12, 2021, Sayed allegedly asked Khan who he should approach to obtain a contract to supply SAPS-branded face masks.
Khan allegedly responded by asking him to send product samples and pricing, saying he would engage the official responsible for procurement.
Sayed later sent detailed quotations and samples covering a range of Covid-19 personal protective equipment.
Months afterwards, Sayed allegedly returned to Khan, asking him to find out from "Fanie" how the contract had been registered.
The commission identified "Fanie" as suspended SAPS divisional commissioner for supply chain management Molefe Fani, who was serving as acting head of procurement at the National Treasury at the time.
The conversations allegedly became more detailed in July 2021, with Sayed seeking information about the quantities of Covid-19 test kits and protective masks SAPS intended to purchase.
Khan allegedly shared procurement requirements covering several police divisions.
The commission also heard that Sayed repeatedly pressed Khan to accelerate the process.
When delays continued, Khan allegedly provided Fani's contact details, enabling Sayed to communicate with him directly.
Another senior SAPS official, referred to only as "Gen1", also featured in the exchanges.
Hassim argued that the messages pointed to an alleged effort to gain improper access to police procurement, with Khan acting as a facilitator rather than distancing himself from the requests.
"The first thing to do would be not to facilitate the process," Hassim told the commission.
She said the evidence showed no indication that Khan rejected Sayed's requests, warned him that his conduct was inappropriate or reported the matter to authorities.
The commission further heard evidence concerning an information technology contract involving the National Treasury and a private company, which Hassim alleged was also facilitated by Khan and Fani.
Meanwhile, Carnilinx, the tobacco company where Sayed is a director, rejected allegations linking it to criminal activity.
In written submissions, the company said it is a legally registered South African cigarette manufacturer operating with all required licences and under SARS oversight.
Carnilinx also disputed the use of a 2014 affidavit containing allegations of historical tax and customs violations.
It argued that the document does not prove current unlawful conduct and should not be used to support claims that the company forms part of a criminal enterprise.
The inquiry will resume hearing Khan’s testimony on Monday.
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