Senior Crime Intelligence Officer Major General Feroz Khan Shot in Apparent Targeted Attack in Houghton

Johannesburg, South Africa – Major General Feroz Khan, the suspended deputy head of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence division, was shot in what police have described as an attempted assassination on Sunday night, 28 June 2026, in Third Avenue, Houghton.

According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after 11 pm. Khan was travelling in the area when unknown assailants opened fire on him. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including twice to the abdomen, and was rushed to Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, where he underwent emergency medical procedures and remains in critical condition.

Gauteng police have launched a high-level investigation into the shooting. A specialized team including the Gauteng Hawks, Gauteng Crime Intelligence, the SAPS Detective Service, and the Political Killings Task Team has been assembled to probe the matter. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the incident is being treated as a targeted attack, with ballistics experts on the scene. No arrests have been reported as of Monday morning.

Police have cautioned against premature speculation on the motive, stating it is too early to link the attack definitively to any specific factors, including Khan’s impending testimony.

Khan was scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. The commission, formally known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. It is investigating serious allegations of corruption, interference in investigations, and links to organized crime within the criminal justice system.

Khan has been a central figure in recent developments related to the commission. In May 2026, the Political Killings Task Team raided his residence in Houghton and seized electronic devices. Khan filed urgent court applications seeking the return of the devices, citing risks to covert operations and potential assassinations if sensitive data were exposed. He later withdrew applications aimed at restricting the commission’s access to the devices and testifying behind closed doors. A summons was subsequently issued for his testimony, with multiple days allocated.

Khan joined SAPS in 1991 as a constable and rose through the ranks in Crime Intelligence, serving in roles including head of the Undercover Agent Programme, head of Operational Intelligence Support, and deputy head of Crime Intelligence. He was promoted to major general, having reportedly skipped certain intermediate ranks. He has faced allegations linked to high-profile cases, including the 2021 Aeroton drug bust, illicit precious metals, organized crime figures, and the illicit tobacco trade.

The Madlanga Commission has examined documents and affidavits involving Khan, including alleged communications with figures such as tobacco businessman Mohammad Sayed. Khan has been suspended amid these investigations.

As investigations continue, authorities have deployed maximum resources to the case. Khan’s condition is being closely monitored at Milpark Hospital, and updates on the probe are expected in the coming days. No further details on suspects or the vehicle involved have been officially released beyond preliminary reports.

This incident highlights ongoing security concerns for senior law enforcement officials amid broader probes into the criminal justice system.