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EFF leader Julius Malema became the focus of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 7 July 2026, as evidence emerged regarding an alleged conspiracy to oust the then Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI), Dr. Setlhomamaru Dintwe. Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC presented messages allegedly linking Malema to the plot through Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan and tobacco industry figure Mohammadh Sayed. Malema has denied involvement in the plot and distanced himself from separate allegations regarding the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.
How the alleged conspiracy to remove the IGI functioned
According to Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, the plot sought to force Dr. Dintwe to lie during parliamentary questioning, providing a pretext for his removal. Evidence presented to the commission included messages from June 2021 in which Feroz Khan allegedly coordinated with Mohammadh Sayed to draft questions about Timmy Marimuthu, an individual described by the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism as “a former drug dealer previously recruited and paid by Crime Intelligence”.
Chaskalson stated that Sayed sent messages to Khan noting, “Juju sent me now,” while acting as an intermediary for Malema. In one exchange, Khan responded to the questions by stating, “Let’s go to war,” and adding that the plan was to “trick him into lying.” Malema, in an affidavit read to the commission, denied conspiring to orchestrate Dintwe’s removal. Dintwe, who previously confirmed meeting Marimuthu in Khan’s presence, has indicated he is considering legal action regarding the leaked WhatsApp messages.
The connection to VBS Mutual Bank
The Madlanga Commission also examined communications involving the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal. Chaskalson alleged that on 15 June 2021, Malema sought the identity of a police complainant in a Sandton fraud case. Records provided by Khan identified the complainant as Anoosh Rooplal, the curator of VBS Bank. Chaskalson noted that Malema was not entitled to this information, suggesting a “mutually beneficial relationship” between the EFF leader and the Crime Intelligence officer. Furthermore, former VBS chair Tshifiwa Matodzi, who has pleaded guilty, alleged in a plea explanation that he paid money to two individuals, including Malema, to try to buy political protection.
Evidence of a relationship between Malema and Khan
The commission’s inquiry into Feroz Khan, who is currently recovering from a shooting in Johannesburg, has revealed a network of interactions between him, Sayed, and Malema. Messages from August and September 2021 show Sayed informing Khan that Malema was monitoring disciplinary proceedings against the officer. In one instance, Sayed relayed a voice note claiming Malema said, “your things are coming along very, very nicely.” Additionally, the commission reviewed a photograph depicting Malema and Sayed dining together. Malema’s affidavit stated he could not confirm the authenticity of these message exchanges and denied any unlawful conduct.
What happens next at the Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is expected to continue hearing from further witnesses as it moves toward the conclusion of its mandate. The commission is working to finalize its hearings by the end of July 2026. Following the conclusion of testimony, the commission will draft a report on its findings for presentation to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Malema, meanwhile, remains out on warning following a court decision to grant him leave to appeal a five-year prison sentence handed down in April 2026 for the unlawful possession of a firearm.
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