Feroz Khan And Co-accused Granted Bail R20K In Precious Metals Case

Three high-profile accused, including senior police officials and a Durban businessman, have been granted bail in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court following their arrests linked to an alleged unwrought gold case at OR Tambo International Airport.

Crime Intelligence head Feroz Khan, Gauteng Hawks head Ebrahim Kadwa and businessman Tariq Downes were each granted R20,000 bail on Monday morning.

Khan, Kadwa Face Charges Over Alleged Gold Incident

The trio was arrested over the weekend and now faces charges of allegedly contravening the Precious Metals Act as well as defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

The case stems from an incident on 5 May 2021 when Downes was allegedly found in possession of 75.9 grams of unwrought gold worth around R62,836 at OR Tambo International Airport.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Downes allegedly claimed during questioning that the metal was a brass bar and that he was operating as an undercover agent connected to senior SAPS officials.

NPA Claims No Undercover Operation Existed

The State alleges investigations later found that there was no authorised undercover operation involving precious metals at the time of the incident.

“Investigations allegedly established that no authorised undercover operation involving precious metals existed at the time. The state further alleges that Khan and Kadwa instructed officers to release Downes despite there being no supporting documentation for such an operation,” the NPA said.

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The allegations have placed both senior SAPS officials under intense scrutiny.

The State did not oppose bail because the matter falls under a Schedule 1 offence.

All three accused were granted bail of R20,000 each.

The matter was postponed to 14 July for further investigations.