The organization Public Interest SA (PISA) has expressed its deep concern about reports that genl.maj. Feroz Khan, a senior police officer, was one of the VIP guests at a lavish dinner held as part of the EFF’s ten year celebration in Johannesburg.
Khan is second in command of the police’s crime intelligence unit.
News24 earlier reported that Khan shared a table with the self-proclaimed tobacco smuggler Adriano Mazzotti. According to the website, Mazzotti’s business partner and close friend of Khan, Mohammadh Sayed, paid for this ticket. Tickets for the formal dinner apparently cost more than R100 000.
According to the report, Khan told News24 he was there to work – with the implication that he was there to watch the festivities – but the website also confirmed that Sayed paid for his ticket.
Tebogo Khaas, chairman of PISA, said in a statement on Sunday that legislation does not prevent police officers from attending meetings of political parties, but: “We find the political fraternization of Khan, second in command at the police’s crime intelligence unit, with recognized criminals and political leaders who are currently being investigated by the criminal justice system as undesirable, shameful, an insult and a slap in the face of South Africans reeling under widespread crime.”
Some EFF leaders are involved in the VBS scandal, while according to reports, Mazzotti has previously admitted that he and his company, Carnilinx, are involved in the smuggling of cigarettes. Khan is a prominent donor to the EFF.
“In light of the recent finding of the Court of Appeal in which the financial links between Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, and the corruption at the now defunct VBS bank are confirmed, the connection is a painful reminder for the victims of VBS corruption from the rampant impunity of influential politicians, BEE askaris and tenderpreneurs,” says Khaas.
He says that although there may be no obvious violations by Khan, PISA nevertheless makes an urgent appeal to gen. Fannie Masemola, national police chief, to conduct an investigation into Khan’s actions and his closeness to those targeted by the criminal justice system.
“We ask for the assurance of the police that no regulations have been breached and that swift and appropriate action will be taken against Maj-Gen. Khan will be done if any misconduct is found,” says Khaas.
♦️In Pictures♦️
It’s time for a toast!
Cheers to 10 Years of Unbroken Struggle! ???? #EFFTurns10 #EFFGalaDinner pic.twitter.com/Fs9rNrVdT3
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 27, 2023
He says that in South Africa’s fight against corruption and crime, it certainly also matters how things look and it matters even more how the actions of those who exercise public power look like.
PISA also asks that the police and other institutions prioritize the training and education of its senior members in “ethical leadership” and that this leadership forms the cornerstone of a fair and accountable society.
“It is important that members of the police and other government institutions maintain the highest levels of integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour. By doing so, they will establish trust among members of the public and create a culture of service, transparency and accountability,” says Khaas.
