By Johnathan Paoli
As dismissed Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan prepares to give in-camera testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, his uncle-in-law has been shot dead in what has been reported as a possible hit.
Preggy Padayachee was identified by eNCA as the man killed in a shooting on the R21 near Griffiths Road in Ekurhuleni on Monday evening, while a friend who was travelling with him was wounded.
Padayachee was reported to be Khan’s uncle-in-law and eNCA reported that he had previously received threats. Police, however, have not confirmed a motive for the shooting or linked it to Khan or his appearance before the commission.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said on Tuesday that police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“The police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident on the R21 road towards OR Tambo International Airport on Monday evening, 05 October 2026. According to preliminary information, a driver travelling in a Fiat reportedly experienced a breakdown and contacted a friend for assistance,” Nevhuhulwi said.
“The friend arrived at the scene accompanied by two other people. As they were attending to the vehicle, shots were fired at them. The driver attempted to evade the gunfire but lost control of the vehicle, which collided with a jersey barrier,” she added.
She said the driver sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene, while one of the passengers was wounded.
“The motive for the shooting is currently unknown, and no arrests have been made at this stage. Police investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Padayachee had previously spoken publicly on behalf of Khan’s family after Khan was shot and wounded in Houghton in June, shortly before he was first due to testify before the commission.
Following that shooting, Padayachee said those responsible should face consequences.
The latest shooting comes as Khan prepares to finally give evidence at the commission after months of delays.
The commission granted a request by evidence leaders for portions of his evidence to be heard in camera, with access restricted to the commissioners, designated evidence leaders, attorneys and Khan’s legal representative.
The private proceedings will deal with sensitive evidence previously heard in camera, while those given access have been barred from recording, publishing, broadcasting or otherwise disseminating the proceedings.
After Khan was shot, he commission proceeded with evidence relating to him in his absence.
He was later subpoenaed to testify on 28 September after the commission ordered an independent medical assessment, but failed to appear either in person or remotely.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga rejected a subsequent postponement application and directed that steps be taken to pursue criminal charges over Khan’s non-attendance.
The commission has heard allegations linking Khan to alleged corruption involving SAPS and National Treasury tenders, businessman Mohammed “Mo” Sayed and individuals linked to the tobacco industry, as well as allegations concerning former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson.
Khan has also been implicated in allegations surrounding the 2021 Aeroton cocaine seizure, while uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP Vusi Shongwe has alleged that Khan offered him R10 million to stop investigating him
Khan was dismissed from SAPS in September after failing to appear before the senior officer handling his expedited disciplinary process.
He is also out on R20,000 bail in a separate criminal case involving alleged contraventions of the Precious Metals Act and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
This is a developing story.
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