The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard allegations that suspended senior police officer Major-General Feroz Khan shared confidential police information related to the VBS Mutual Bank fraud investigation with EFF leader Julius Malema through businessman Mohamed Sayed.
VBS Mutual Bank collapsed in 2018 after the discovery of a multi-billion-rand fraud and looting scheme that resulted in significant financial losses for municipalities and thousands of depositors. Several individuals have since been prosecuted, while investigations into those linked to the scandal have continued.
During proceedings on Tuesday, evidence leader Michael Chaskalson read alleged WhatsApp messages which suggest confidential information, including the home address of VBS curator Anoosh Rooplal, was passed to Malema through Sayed. Chaskalson stressed that the messages have not yet been tested as evidence before the commission.
He also referred to a plea agreement by former VBS chairperson Tshifhiwa Matodzi, in which Matodzi allegedly claimed that Malema and the EFF received millions of rand in bribes. Those allegations have also not been tested before the commission.
“The WhatsApp messages suggest that confidential information relating to the VBS investigation, including the home address of curator Anoosh Rooplal, was conveyed to Mr Malema through Mr Mohamed Sayed,” Chaskalson told the commission.
The commission further heard allegations that Khan drafted parliamentary questions for Malema. According to Chaskalson, the questions were allegedly sent through Sayed and were intended to challenge the credibility of former Inspector-General of Intelligence Setlhomamaru Dintwe. Other proposed questions allegedly targeted former Police Minister Bheki Cele over his reported links to convicted drug dealer Timmy Marimuthu.
Chaskalson also told the commission that additional WhatsApp messages suggest Sayed shared information with Khan at Malema’s request in June 2021. The exchanges allegedly included anti-illegal immigration posters linked to Operation Dudula.
“These messages have not yet been tested before the commission and form part of the evidence that will be examined during these proceedings,” Chaskalson said.
The commission continues to hear evidence as it investigates allegations of interference, corruption and misconduct within South Africa’s law enforcement and intelligence structures.
Photo: Screenshot
