Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has emerged as a central figure in the ongoing investigations by the Madlanga Commission. The commission, mandated to probe criminality, political interference, and corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system, has gained access to explosive electronic evidence that allegedly details a clandestine relationship between Malema and high-ranking Crime Intelligence official, Major General Feroz Khan.
Investigator's findings
On June 9,2026, commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo released an affidavit detailing the contents of electronic devices seized from Major General Khan's home in May 2026. This disclosure followed Khan's decision to abandon his legal challenge to prevent the commission from accessing the data. The documents, which include extracted WhatsApp exchanges, implicate both Khan and Malema in a range of irregular and potentially criminal activities.
Evidence suggests that Malema provided political protection to Khan. Communications between Khan and tobacco businessman Mohamed Sayed – a co-founder of Carnilinx – indicate that Malema actively encouraged the general to resist resignation and remain in his position despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Sayed reportedly acted as an intermediary, relaying messages from Malema to Khan, such as: “I forgot to tell you that Ju called me, said that you will not ever resign, no matter what; this is a fight and we will emerge victorious.”
The investigation further highlights the alleged leakage of sensitive state information. Reports state that Khan supplied Malema and Sayed with confidential data, including the name and home address of Anoosh Rooplal, the curator handling the VBS Mutual Bank matter. The exchanges also detail a coordinated plot between Khan, Sayed, and Malema to orchestrate the removal of the former Inspector General of Intelligence, Dr. Selumanthuro Dintwe, by allegedly attempting to entrap him into providing false testimony.
Evidence also points to attempts to manipulate police procurement. Extraction reports suggest Malema pressured officials to favour the company Bertobrite in a fleet management bid. Additionally, messages show Khan drafting parliamentary questions for the EFF to pose to the Minister of Police and the Inspector-General of Intelligence, with Sayed confirming that these were sent by Malema himself.
The Commission's mandate
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established in July 2025 following serious allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding the infiltration of criminal syndicates into law enforcement. Its primary objective is to investigate how criminal networks may have exerted undue influence over the police, intelligence agencies, and the broader justice system. Malema's name has surfaced alongside other prominent figures during this wide-reaching inquiry.
Next steps
Major General Feroz Khan has been formally served with a notice to appear before the commission on 1 July 2026. He is expected to provide a sworn statement and testify orally regarding his associations and the allegations of collusion. While these revelations are currently classified as prima facie evidence rather than formal findings, they represent a significant escalation in the commission's work, underscoring the inquiry's focus on how political actors may have utilised state resources for partisan or private gain.