Two senior South African Police Service (SAPS) generals accused of links to an alleged illicit precious metals syndicate have been granted bail by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
Crime Intelligence head Feroz Khan and Gauteng Hawks head Ebrahim Kadwa appeared in court on Monday alongside Durban businessman Tariq Downes on charges relating to the contravention of the Precious Metals Act and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
The trio was each granted R20,000 bail after the State indicated it would not oppose their release because the matter falls under a Schedule 1 offence.
As part of their bail conditions, the accused were ordered not to interfere with ongoing investigations or contact any witnesses connected to the case. They were also instructed to hand over their passports to the investigating officer by 12 May and to notify investigators within 72 hours should they intend to travel.
The matter was postponed to 14 July for further investigations.
The arrests stem from an incident dating back to 5 May 2021, when Downes was allegedly found in possession of 75.9 grams of unwrought gold, estimated to be worth about R62,836, at OR Tambo International Airport.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Downes allegedly told authorities at the time that the metal was a brass bar and claimed he was acting as an undercover operative linked to senior SAPS officials.
However, prosecutors said subsequent investigations found 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.
Khan was arrested on Sunday following a raid at his Houghton apartment as part of what authorities described as a major operation targeting an alleged illicit precious metals syndicate.
The appearance of two senior police generals in the dock has sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles, particularly given the high-ranking positions occupied by both accused officers.
Speaking outside court, SAPS national spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the arrests were regrettable but demonstrated the police service’s commitment to accountability.
“It is disappointing to have senior officers in court,” said Mathe.
“But it shows that as an organisation we are committed to integrity, transparency and rooting out wrongdoing and corruption within our ranks. We always maintain that no one is above the law.”
The case comes amid intensified scrutiny of organised crime networks linked to illicit mining and the illegal trade in precious metals in South Africa.
Authorities have, in recent years, identified the illegal gold trade as a significant driver of organised criminal activity, often involving syndicates operating across provincial and international borders.
The involvement of senior police officials in the matter is likely to raise further questions about corruption within law enforcement structures tasked with combating organised crime and illegal mining operations.
Neither Khan, Kadwa, nor Downes addressed the media following the proceedings on Monday.
The State indicated that investigations are continuing and that additional evidence is still being gathered ahead of the next court appearance in July.
The matter is expected to draw significant public and political attention as investigators probe the alleged relationship between the businessman and the senior police officers, as well as claims surrounding the purported undercover operation.
For now, the three accused remain out on bail pending the continuation of the case in July.
