Warrant Officer Accuses Major General Khan of Orchestrating Arrests to Derail Cocaine Investigation

Warrant Officer Steven Phakula testified before the Madlanga commission, alleging that Major General Feroz Khan orchestrated the arrest of four police officials to derail a major cocaine investigation in Johannesburg. The operation involved intercepting a 999kg cocaine consignment shipped from Brazil in July 2021. Phakula claimed that Khan assumed control of the chaotic scene, prevented proper investigative procedures such as using dog units, and ordered the arrests of colleagues to shift attention away from the crime. This maneuver allegedly allowed the real perpetrators to escape while focusing scrutiny on the arrested officers. Phakula, who was later reinstated after appealing his dismissal, stated that Khan was eventually cleared in disciplinary hearings despite these allegations. Recently, Khan was arrested alongside other high-profile figures, facing charges related to contravening the Precious Metals Act and obstructing justice. The testimony highlights deep-seated corruption and internal conflict within the South African Police Service regarding the handling of significant drug busts.