Crime Intelligence Deputy Feroz Khan Takes SAPS to Labour Court After Disciplinary Process Recommends Dismissal
Suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan has approached the Labour Court in a bid to challenge a disciplinary process that reportedly recommended his dismissal from the South African Police Service.
The development opens another legal battle involving one of the senior police officers who has come under intense scrutiny amid investigations and testimony concerning South Africa’s law-enforcement structures.
According to the Sunday Times, a disciplinary process involving Khan concluded this week with a recommendation that he be dismissed from SAPS.
However, Khan’s lawyer, Muhammed Vally, maintains that his client has not been dismissed and is challenging the process in the Labour Court.
Vally reportedly argues that the disciplinary proceedings were concluded while Khan was dealing with medical issues and was unable to attend.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe declined to discuss the merits of the disciplinary proceedings, citing the internal nature of the process and the fact that the matter is before the Labour Court.
Khan Already Facing Criminal Case
The Labour Court battle comes as Khan faces separate criminal proceedings.
Earlier this year, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police called for his suspension following his arrest alongside senior Hawks officer Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa.
Khan, Kadwa and businessman Tariq Downes were subsequently granted bail of R20,000 each by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
They face charges including alleged contraventions of the Precious Metals Act and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused are presumed innocent.
Khan’s Name Emerged at Madlanga Commission
Khan has also featured prominently in evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Evidence leaders previously presented WhatsApp communications which they alleged showed Khan discussing SAPS tender matters with businessman Ismail Vally and attempting to influence procurement specifications.
Those allegations have not been finally determined by a court.
The commission had sought Khan’s testimony amid what it described as serious allegations concerning him.
However, his anticipated appearance was affected after he was shot and wounded in an apparent assassination attempt in Houghton on 28 June.
No motive for that shooting has been publicly established.
Labour Court Battle Opens New Front
The latest court challenge now places the handling of Khan’s disciplinary proceedings under scrutiny.
A central issue is expected to be whether SAPS was entitled to proceed with and conclude the disciplinary process in Khan’s absence.
His legal team is challenging the process, while SAPS has refrained from publicly discussing the merits of a matter now before the Labour Court.
The outcome could have significant consequences for Khan’s future in the police service as the criminal proceedings and other processes involving allegations against him continue.
This is a developing story.
- Athlenda Mathe, Crime Intelligence, crime intelligence SAPS, disciplinary process, Ebrahim Kadwa, Feroz Khan, Labour Court, madlanga commission, Major-General Feroz Khan, Muhammed Vally, police corruption allegations, police disciplinary hearing, Precious Metals Act, saps, SAPS dismissal, South Africa courts, south africa crime, South African Police Service, Tariq Downes
