Madlanga Commission Evidence leaders have urged the Madlanga Commission to probe the link between Crime Intel. Head, Feroz Khan, and the break-in of a journalist’s house.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Evidence leaders have called for a further probe into whether Crime Intel. Head Feroz Khan was connected to the burglary at the home of investigative journalist Marianne Thamm, after evidence revealed troubling WhatsApp messages.
This also included a sequence of events that commissioners say cannot be ignored.
On Monday, evidence leader, Adila Hassim, at the Madlanga Commission continued placing allegations against Khan on record despite his absence.
Khan remains in the hospital after being shot in what is believed to have been an attempted hit late last month.
The commission heard that Khan reacted angrily to a January 2021 Daily Maverick article in which Thamm exposed alleged COVID-19 personal protective equipment corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
WhatsApp conversations presented before the commission show Khan telling a friend that a counter should be activated against the journalist.
Hassim also alleged that the evidence before the commission pointed to a broader pattern of Khan abusing Crime Intelligence resources for personal benefit, raising serious concerns about accountability within the unit.
About two months later, Thamm's home was broken into and both of her laptops were stolen.
Hassim stressed that no conclusive proof currently links the burglary to the WhatsApp exchange.
However, he argued that the timing of the events was deeply concerning and warranted a formal investigation.
“It can't just be a coincidence in my mind, which is why I think it needs to be referred,” Hassim said.
The commission continues.
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