The Madlanga Commission has heard evidence alleging that suspended Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence Major General Feroz Khan used his position to assist businessman Mohammed “Mo” Sayed in pursuing South African Police Service (SAPS) procurement opportunities.
Commission evidence leader Advocate Adila Hassim on Friday read WhatsApp exchanges between Khan and Sayed into the record, arguing that the messages point to a relationship in which the businessman repeatedly sought the senior police officer’s assistance with government tenders.
One of the exchanges relates to an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) security tender advertised in June 2021. According to the evidence before the Commission, Sayed forwarded Khan details of the tender before later sending another message identifying the company that held the existing SAPS security contract.
“So, this was sent on 15 June 2021 – the details of an IPID tender, which had a closing date of 2 July 2021, for 66 guards. And just to close off on that security tender, on page 5994, on 17 June 2021, Mr Sayed says, ‘Just a heads-up, Symantec is the current incumbent with the SAPS security tender. They are our biggest competitor right now,'” Hassim told the Commission.
The Commission also heard evidence relating to a proposed SAPS personal protective equipment (PPE) contract during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hassim said messages exchanged between the two men show Sayed asking Khan to assist him in securing a contract to supply branded face masks to the police.
According to the evidence, Khan allegedly requested pricing information and samples from Sayed before indicating that he would engage an official responsible for procurement. Further WhatsApp exchanges show Sayed requesting updates on the status of the proposed contract and seeking information on SAPS’s demand for PPE and Covid-19 test kits.
The Commission also heard that Khan allegedly shared the contact details of a senior SAPS supply chain management official after Sayed requested assistance in making direct contact.
Hassim argued that the exchanges demonstrate that Khan did not distance himself from Sayed’s requests for assistance with procurement matters, despite occupying a senior position within the SAPS. She told the Commission that the evidence suggests Khan facilitated access to procurement information instead of rejecting or reporting the approaches.
Khan, who has been suspended from his position, is expected to respond to the allegations when he presents his version before the Commission.