Gauteng Hawks head Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa, Crime Intelligence senior officer Major-General Feroz Khan, and Durban businessman Tariq Downs have each been released on R20,000 bail following their arrest over allegations of dealing in illicit precious metals.
The three appeared in court earlier this week and are facing charges linked to the unlawful trade and handling of precious metals, a case that has raised fresh concerns about corruption within SAPS’ senior ranks.
Kadwa and Khan’s arrests over the weekend sent shockwaves through the police service, given their senior positions in the Hawks and Crime Intelligence. Their bail was set at R20,000 each, with conditions that include surrendering their passports and reporting to police regularly while the investigation continues.
Businessman Tariq Downs, who is alleged to have been a central figure in the illicit network, was also granted the same bail amount. The state has indicated that more arrests could follow as the probe widens.
The case comes at a time when SAPS is already under intense scrutiny, with SAPS Supply Chain Commissioner Dr Molefe Isaac Fani also suspended pending a disciplinary probe into procurement irregularities.
All three accused are expected back in court next month as the investigation unfolds.
