Feroz Khan’s Uncle-in-Law Shot Dead on R21 Ahead of Key Madlanga Commission Testimony
Preggy Padayachee, the uncle-in-law of former Crime Intelligence boss Major-General Feroz Khan, has been shot dead in an apparent targeted hit on the R21 highway. A friend travelling with him was wounded in the attack, while another escaped unharmed.
The fatal shooting occurred on Monday evening on the R21 highway near Griffiths Road, towards OR Tambo International Airport. According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, preliminary investigations reveal that Padayachee was driving a Fiat when the vehicle suffered a mechanical breakdown.
He contacted a friend for assistance, who arrived shortly after with two other occupants. As they were attending to the disabled vehicle, gunmen opened fire on the group. Padayachee attempted to evade the gunfire but lost control of the vehicle, colliding with a highway barrier. He sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene. One passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds, while a third occupant managed to escape the gunfire unscathed.
The timing of the assassination has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community. Padayachee’s nephew-in-law, the suspended and fired Crime Intelligence Deputy Head Feroz Khan, is scheduled to testify in camera (behind closed doors) before the Madlanga Commission today. The commission is currently probing high-level corruption allegations within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Padayachee had previously served as the public face and voice for the family during Khan’s deeply turbulent year. When Khan survived a previous shooting in Houghton, Padayachee spoke openly to the media on behalf of the family. He similarly issued public statements when Khan was arrested in connection with a syndicate dealing in precious metals and defeating the ends of justice.
Gauteng police have confirmed that they are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder. At this stage, the motive for the attack remains officially unknown, and no suspects have been arrested. Investigators are examining whether the hit is linked to Khan’s imminent and sensitive testim
