Police are investigating a murder and attempted murder after a man linked to former Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan was shot dead on the R21, in an attack that unfolded on the eve of Khan’s expected testimony before the Madlanga Commission.
The shooting happened on Monday evening, 5 October, on the R21 towards OR Tambo International Airport, near Griffiths Road in Ekurhuleni. One other person was wounded, while a third occupant escaped unharmed.
The deceased has been identified as Preggy Padayachee, described as Khan’s uncle-in-law and close associate.
What happened on the R21
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the incident began when a Fiat reportedly broke down on the highway.
The driver contacted a friend for assistance. The friend arrived with two other people and, while the group was attending to the vehicle, gunfire erupted.
“The driver attempted to evade the gunfire but lost control of the vehicle, which collided with a jersey barrier,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The driver sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
“One passenger sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to hospital for medical treatment, while the third occupant managed to escape unharmed,” police said.
The motive remains unknown and, at the time of reporting, no arrests had been made. Police said investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.
Padayachee’s connection to Feroz Khan
Padayachee was reportedly a close relative and associate of Khan.
His name had previously surfaced publicly following the shooting of Khan himself in June.
Khan was shot and wounded outside his Houghton home on 28 June, days before he was scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. SAPS subsequently launched a high-level investigation involving the Gauteng Hawks, Crime Intelligence, the Detective Service and the Political Killings Task Team.
At the time, Padayachee spoke publicly following the attack on Khan and called for those responsible to face justice.
The timing raises questions
The latest shooting comes just hours before Khan is expected to give evidence before the Madlanga Commission.
Khan, who was dismissed as deputy head of Crime Intelligence, is expected to testify behind closed doors on Tuesday. The commission has previously indicated that his evidence is significant because of serious allegations that have been raised concerning his conduct and his role within Crime Intelligence. Khan has denied wrongdoing.
Police have previously cautioned against drawing conclusions about the motive for attacks connected to Khan before investigators have established the facts. Following the June shooting, SAPS said it was “premature and irresponsible” to speculate about a possible connection between the attack and Khan’s anticipated appearance before the commission.
Investigation remains open
The latest case has been registered as murder and attempted murder.
Investigators will now have to establish whether the gunfire was a random attack, a targeted shooting or part of a broader motive. They will also have to determine who opened fire, why the group was attacked and whether the deceased was specifically targeted.
For now, police have confirmed only the basic circumstances of the shooting.
“The police investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible,” Nevhuhulwi said.
With Khan due to testify before the commission behind closed doors, the killing of a person described as his close associate has added another layer of concern to an already highly scrutinised investigation into South Africa’s Crime Intelligence structures.
