Here’s the breakdown of what’s emerged so far in the case involving Durban businessman Tariq Downs, Gauteng Hawks head Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa, and Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan:
The 2021 Gold Incident
In 2021, Tariq Downs was allegedly found in possession of unwrought gold during a police operation.
When confronted, Downs told officers he was an undercover SAPS agent and that the gold was part of an official investigation.
Senior Officers’ Involvement
According to the state, Major-General Feroz Khan (Crime Intelligence) and Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa (Gauteng Hawks head) were then contacted by police.
Both allegedly confirmed that Downs was a SAPS spy and instructed that he be released immediately without further action.
Investigation Reveals False Claim
Subsequent police investigations found that Downs was not a SAPS officer and had no legitimate undercover status.
This has now led to charges against all three for dealing in illicit precious metals and allegedly abusing their positions to obstruct justice.
Current Status
All three appeared in court this week and were each granted R20,000 bail with strict conditions, including surrendering travel documents and regular reporting to police.
The case is ongoing, and the state has indicated that more charges and arrests may follow as the investigation into the illicit precious metals network expands.
The matter has raised serious questions about abuse of authority and corruption within SAPS’ top leadership, especially at a time when the service is already facing multiple high-profile scandals.
