Khan’s sickbed reprieve runs out as Madlanga Commission sets new deadline

Feroz Khan

Johannesburg – The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has ordered suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan to appear and testify on 28 September, unless he agrees to an independent medical assessment confirming that he is unfit to give evidence.

Khan was due to appear before the commission on Tuesday but did not attend after reportedly being readmitted to hospital. His legal team asked for another postponement, citing his medical condition.

According to IOL, commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga imposed strict conditions on any further postponement. Khan must undergo an independent assessment by 8 September, with a medical report submitted by 15 September if it is to be used to excuse him from appearing on 28 September.

The specialist must be agreed upon by Khan’s legal representatives and the commission’s evidence leaders. If they cannot agree, an independent medical professional will be nominated through the South African Society of Psychiatrists.

Madlanga said the commission was not seeking unnecessary details about Khan’s medical condition, but needed sufficient information to determine whether he was genuinely unable to testify.

“General Khan’s condition must be disclosed, but what must not be disclosed are the details concerning that condition,” Madlanga ruled.

Khan’s lawyers initially opposed the proposed examination, with his attorney Muhammed Vally warning that another assessment could potentially harm his client’s recovery.

“This could worsen his conditions,” Vally told the commission.

Disputed medical records

The postponement comes amid scrutiny of Khan’s medical records. The Citizen reported that evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim raised concerns about an amended medical certificate and questioned whether medical grounds should continue to delay Khan’s testimony.

Hassim argued that the commission needed to establish why a senior public official under subpoena could not appear, saying the issue was not Khan’s private health but the “public interest” in determining whether his absence could be justified.

Khan’s testimony is considered significant to the commission’s investigation into alleged criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system. He was previously expected to testify after an alleged shooting in Houghton, Johannesburg, on 28 June, which resulted in his hospitalisation.

The commission has also ordered Khan to submit his outstanding statement by 18 September, ahead of his scheduled appearance.

The development reflects growing pressure on the commission to keep its hearings on schedule, with President Cyril Ramaphosa having noted that the inquiry’s final report is due on 16 November 2026.

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