Deputy Crime Intelligence head Feroz Khan has suffered a legal setback after his urgent application to have his seized electronic devices returned was struck off the roll.
Khan had approached the Johannesburg High Court in a bid to stop the South African Police Service (SAPS) from downloading, copying, sharing or conducting forensic examinations on data stored in his devices.
He had also sought the immediate return of his cellphones and laptops, arguing that the search and seizure operation at his Houghton home was unlawful and unconstitutional, describing it as a “warrantless search.”
However, the matter took a turn after SAPS informed the court that the devices had already been handed over to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is probing explosive allegations involving senior police officials.
As a result, Khan’s urgent application was struck off the roll, dealing a blow to his attempt to regain possession of the devices and stop authorities from accessing their contents.
Khan was recently arrested alongside other suspects on charges linked to defeating the ends of justice and alleged violations of the Precious Metals Act, placing him at the centre of mounting scrutiny involving senior law enforcement figures.
