EXCLUSIVE: KZN top cop Mkhwanazi believes his decision to clear CI spy boss Khan behind IPID move to probe him
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi stands by his decision to clear Crime Intelligence counter-intelligence and security head, Feroz Khan, on charges of defeating the ends of justice and bringing SAPS into disrepute.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in his office at the provincial operations building in Durban. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/EWN
DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal police boss, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi strongly believes that IPID's decision to investigate him on a 2023 case follows his decision to clear counter-intelligence head, Feroz Khan, on charges related to a 2021 Joburg cocaine bust.
Crime Intelligence counter-intelligence and security head, Feroz Khan was acquitted in March during a disciplinary hearing that Mkhwanazi accepted to chair.
The Crime Intelligence spy boss was charged for his involvement in a R700 million cocaine bust in 2021 in Aeroton, Johannesburg, where several police officers were subsequently arrested.
Mkhwanazi stands by his decision to clear Khan, on charges of defeating the ends of justice and bringing SAPS into disrepute.
In an exclusive interview with EWN, Mkhwanazi said that he based his decision to clear Khan.
"Somebody within IPID wanted Khan gone by all means, they wanted to get rid of him from the organisation, not only him, but the others that were recommended, but they were not successful because we did not just go into a disciplinary hearing with our eyes blindfolded, we tested evidence."
Mkhwanazi claimed that Khan’s involvement in the drug bust saved the reputation of SAPS.
"I cleared him because evidence was presented there that couldn't justify that Khan had done anything wrong. Instead, he's the one who should be given a medal for what he did because he saved the organisation's image on the day."