Gauteng Police are investigating a murder and attempted murder after a man identified as Preggy Padayachee was shot dead on the R21 in Ekurhuleni, hours before disgraced former Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan was due to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The shooting happened on Monday evening, 5 October, on the R21 towards OR Tambo International Airport.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a murder and attempted murder case was being investigated.

According to preliminary police information, a man travelling in a Fiat experienced a breakdown and called a friend for assistance.

The friend arrived with two other people, and they were attending to the vehicle when shots were fired at them.

The driver attempted to escape the gunfire but lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a Jersey barrier.

He sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.

One of the passengers was wounded by gunfire and taken to hospital for treatment, while the third occupant managed to escape unharmed.

Police have not publicly named the deceased.

However, crime activist Yusuf Abramjee identified him on social media platform X as Padayachee, saying the shooting appeared to have been a targeted attack.

“Appears to be a hit. Active crime scene,” Abramjee wrote on X on Monday night, referring to the shooting near Griffiths Road in the direction of OR Tambo International Airport.

SABC News also reported that Padayachee had been identified as the man killed and that his family had been notified.

Padayachee was the uncle-in-law of Khan, according to information supplied about the relationship.

Sources have also alleged that Padayachee had previously received threats.

Police, however, have not confirmed a motive for the shooting and no arrests have been made.

Forensic teams worked at the scene for much of Monday night as investigators gathered evidence to establish exactly what happened and identify those responsible.

The killing comes at a significant time for Khan, who is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday.

Khan’s evidence will be heard in camera, meaning members of the public and the media will not be allowed to watch or listen to the proceedings.

Only the commissioners, designated evidence leaders and Khan’s legal representatives will be allowed to attend. The commission has also prohibited those granted access from publishing or broadcasting recordings of the closed proceedings.

Khan is expected to respond to evidence that was led before the commission in his absence on 7 and 9 July.

His appearance was delayed after he was allegedly shot and wounded in what was described as an apparent assassination attempt in June, shortly before he was due to testify.

The former senior police officer has since faced repeated difficulties in appearing before the commission.

In September, Khan failed to attend despite being subpoenaed. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga subsequently directed that criminal charges be pursued over his failure to comply with the subpoena.

Khan has also been implicated in allegations being investigated by the commission, including claims involving an alleged Treasury IT contract kickback and the 2021 Aeroton drug bust. He is expected to face questions about his finances and property.

The circumstances surrounding Padayachee’s killing have prompted questions about whether the shooting is connected in any way to Khan’s upcoming testimony.

IRS Forensic Investigations has publicly raised that question, pointing to Khan’s earlier shooting and now the killing of his close relative shortly before his in-camera testimony.

However, there is currently no police confirmation that Padayachee’s murder was connected to Khan, the Madlanga Commission or the evidence Khan is expected to give.

The police investigation is still at an early stage, and the motive remains unknown.

The commission’s decision to hear Khan’s evidence behind closed doors was based on concerns around sensitive information and ongoing crime investigations.

Khan’s testimony is expected to shed further light on evidence already placed before the inquiry, but the public will only be able to follow what the commission eventually makes available from the proceedings.

The Madlanga Commission’s public hearings are scheduled to resume on 9 November, while in-camera proceedings continue.

For now, investigators are focused on the R21 shooting, with police appealing for information that could assist in identifying those responsible for Padayachee’s death and the wounding of the other victim.