The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard explosive allegations that suspended Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence, Major-General Feroz Khan, may have played a role in facilitating access to a lucrative personal protective equipment (PPE) contract during South Africa’s COVID-19 state of emergency.
During the latest hearings, evidence leaders presented WhatsApp communications they say point to interactions between Major-General Khan and businessman Mohamed “Mo” Sayed, who was reportedly involved in securing opportunities within the PPE and COVID-19 testing supply market.
According to testimony before the commission, Sayed allegedly approached Khan seeking assistance to gain access to government-linked procurement channels at a time when demand for PPE and test kits surged across the country. The messages reportedly include discussions about potential business arrangements and requests for intervention to unlock supply opportunities.
The inquiry also heard that Sayed claimed he had secured approval to distribute COVID-19 test kits through Carnilinx, a company referenced in the proceedings. Investigators are now assessing whether these claims were acted upon, and whether any public procurement processes were improperly influenced through relationships involving senior law enforcement officials.
The evidence forms part of a wider probe into allegations of corruption, abuse of power and unethical relationships between senior police officials, business figures, and politically connected individuals during the pandemic. The commission is tasked with determining whether public office was exploited to advance private commercial interests at the height of South Africa’s health crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic period saw the rapid rollout of emergency procurement programmes worth billions of rand. However, these processes later came under intense scrutiny amid widespread allegations of inflated pricing, irregular tender awards, and corruption linked to PPE and medical supply contracts.
While the WhatsApp messages have been submitted as evidence, the commission emphasised that they do not, on their own, constitute proof of wrongdoing. Further hearings are expected to examine additional documentation and hear responses from all implicated parties before any findings are made.
Major-General Khan, who remains suspended from duty, has previously denied any involvement in misconduct. His legal representatives informed the commission that they have faced challenges consulting with him due to his medical condition following a recent shooting incident, for which a full medical report has been submitted to the inquiry.
The Madlanga Commission continues its broader investigation into allegations of corruption, criminal activity and political interference within South Africa’s policing and intelligence structures. Its final recommendations are expected to influence reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, improving oversight mechanisms, and restoring public trust in law enforcement institutions.
As hearings proceed, further testimony is expected to shed more light on the relationships, transactions, and decision-making processes now under scrutiny.
