Witness I details alleged links between senior police officers, Mogotsi and Matlala in Aeroton testimony

By Johnathan Paoli

A Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) officer, identified only as Witness I, has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that suspended Gauteng Crime Intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan and Gauteng Hawks head Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa acted as though they were “above the law” during the controversial 2021 Aeroton drug bust, alleging they took control of the scene and interfered with its handling.

Testifying partly in camera on Tuesday, Witness I said he arrived at the Aeroton scene expecting it to be linked to an investigation by his unit, but found that senior officers had already assumed control.

In a written statement to the commission, he said he observed Khan issuing instructions and releasing a truck driver who had already been arrested.

“One of the suspects (the driver), who was already detained by the members, was released from custody by Maj Gen Khan,” he said.

He alleged