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 that the scene was never formally handed over to him, and that Khan “hijacked and took over the scene” by directing officers and controlling operations on the ground.
Witness I said he later reported his concerns to former national Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, who acknowledged the complaint, though he was unaware of any follow-up action.
He told the commission he had “never liked” Khan since the incident, adding: “IPID specifically called for disciplinary action to be taken against Major General Khan for his conduct at the scene.”
However, he said an internal investigation led by Mpumalanga Hawks head Major-General Nico Gerber later found that Khan and Kadwa were acting within their duties.
Witness I also described a January 2025 meeting involving businessman Brown Mogotsi and an unnamed Crime Intelligence colonel, alleging he was offered inducements to change his testimony in Khan’s favour.
He said the meeting was arranged through businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala and then warrant officer (now captain) Faleni Zungu.
According to his testimony, he was asked to provide a statement clearing Khan in disciplinary proceedings linked to the Aeroton incident.
“Col [redacted] said they needed to fix things, meaning me making a statement clearing Maj Gen Khan,” he said.
When he refused, he alleged he was promised a promotion and a “bag”, which he understood to mean money.
“I asked why I should do that and for what purpose. Col said I will get a bag and they will facilitate a promotion if I help Maj Gen Khan,” he said.
Witness I said he pretended to cooperate in order to expose what he believed was an attempted bribery scheme, but the promised reward never materialised.
He also implicated senior Hawks official Lieutenant-General Patrick Mbotho in relation to a 2024 operation in Sun City in which 17 suspects were arrested and 32 firearms seized.
He said Mbotho repeatedly requested operational updates and questioned the arrests, despite being told the suspects were not licensed security personnel.
According to Witness I, Mbotho insisted the firearms belonged to a security company and were legal, despite unit findings to the contrary.
“The 17 suspects arrested were in civilian clothing and there were no registered permits or licences for all 32 firearms seized,” he said.
He further alleged that Mbotho sought to have statements revisited after the arrests, which he considered inappropriate.
Witness I also told the commission that rumours circulated after the operation alleging that Hawks Brigadier Lesiba Mokoena received monthly protection payments from mining figure and murder-accused Mpho Stella Pooe, allegedly for himself and Mbotho, but said the claims were unverified.
On Mogotsi, he said he first met him in 2020 in Rustenburg, where he was introduced as an information source on alleged corruption and criminal activity in North West.
He said Mogotsi had detailed knowledge of developments in the province but denied ever working with him.
The commission also heard claims that Mogotsi later alleged involvement in the Sun City operation, which Witness I rejected.
Proceedings were adjourned and Witness I is expected to continue his partially in-camera testimony on Wednesday.
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