As General Firoz Khan recovers in hospital, the Madlanga Commission is unpacking what appears to be a web of criminality in which he is at the centre.
According to WhatsApp chats, Khan appears to have worked with, among others, businessman Mo Sayeed and Molefe Fani, the suspended SAPS Divisional Commissioner for Procurement.
At the time of their dealings, Fani was, according to the chats, working for the National Treasury.
Central to Friday’s proceedings were WhatsApp conversations recovered from Khan’s cellphone, which police seized on 10 May when he was arrested on corruption charges linked to an alleged illicit precious metals syndicate.
The exchanges painted a picture showing Sayeed repeatedly turning to Khan for help, including in securing a SAPS PPE tender during the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the chats, on 12 January 2021, Sayeed asked Khan who he should approach to obtain a contract to supply SAPS-branded face masks.
Khan responded by asking him to send product samples and pricing, saying he would engage the official responsible for procurement.
Sayeed later sent detailed quotations and samples covering a range of Covid-19 personal protective equipment.
Months later, Sayeed turned to Khan again, asking him to find out from “Fanie” how the contract had been registered.
In July 2021, Sayeed sought information about the quantities of Covid-19 test kits and protective masks SAPS intended to purchase, with Khan sharing procurement requirements covering several police divisions.
Sayeed continued to pressurise Khan to accelerate the process.
When delays continued, Khan provided Fani’s contact details, enabling Sayeed to communicate directly with officials.
Another senior SAPS official, referred to only as “Gen1”, also featured in the exchanges.
Evidence Leader Adila Hassim argued that the messages pointed to a concerted effort to gain improper access to police procurement, with Khan and Fani acting as facilitators.
“Let’s make some, bro,” wrote Sayeed in one of the messages.