Madlanga Commission to seek charge over Feroz Khan’s missed appearance

The Madlanga Commission says it will ask its secretary to lay a criminal complaint against former Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan after he failed to appear remotely under subpoena on Monday, 28 September.

Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga announced the step during the hearing, Business Day reported. He rejected a further application to postpone Khan’s evidence. The commission had received an independent medical assessment recommending that Khan testify virtually, but Khan did not join the proceedings and his legal team had not arranged a virtual link, according to the report.

Madlanga described the absence as a disregard of the subpoena. The commission’s secretary, Nolitha Vukuza, was to be approached to lay the complaint on its behalf. That is an announced next step, not confirmation that a charge has already been filed or that a court has found Khan guilty.

Eyewitness News reported on Monday evening that Khan is still expected to give evidence virtually. The commission is examining allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. Khan has faced questions about alleged interference within the South African Police Service, but those allegations remain matters for the inquiry; Monday’s decision concerns his non-appearance.

His scheduled testimony has been delayed repeatedly. Earlier this month, the commission directed an independent assessment after his representatives raised health concerns. Its latest decision means the subpoena remains in force while the proposed criminal complaint is pursued.