A member of Parliament from the MK Party has made explosive allegations before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, claiming he was offered a multimillion-rand bribe in an attempt to interfere with Parliament’s investigation into corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Vusi Shongwe told the commission that suspended Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan allegedly sought to influence the parliamentary process by offering him cash, lucrative business opportunities and luxury vehicles in exchange for easing pressure on ongoing investigations.
Testimony Links Alleged Bribe to Parliamentary Inquiry
Shongwe, who serves on Parliament’s ad hoc committee examining allegations of corruption in the criminal justice sector, said the alleged approach was directly connected to the committee’s work.
The parliamentary inquiry was established after serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Shongwe said his own work had focused on several controversial cases involving Khan.
Among the matters he pursued were the Aeroton drug scandal, alleged cover-ups surrounding the murders of a medical doctor and a make-up artist, as well as investigations into cigarette smuggling operations.
Frustration Over Failed Attempts to Question Khan
According to Shongwe, efforts to have Khan testify before Parliament repeatedly stalled.
He claimed that attempts to summon the suspended police official were blocked by other political parties, alleging that members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) resisted the move because of Khan’s perceived relationship with the party.
Shongwe said he had also questioned forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) head Andrea Johnson about why Khan had never been subjected to a full investigation.
Meeting Arranged After Unexpected Phone Call
Recounting the events that led to the alleged bribery attempt, Shongwe said he received a phone call on March 8 from Lindiwe Xulu, personal assistant to MK Party president Jacob Zuma.
Xulu informed him that two men wanted to meet him and had approached Zuma requesting the meeting.
The individuals were identified as Yusuf Kajee and another man known only as Imran.
Believing the discussion would concern internal party matters, Shongwe travelled from Cape Town to Durban.
Durban Meeting Took an Unexpected Turn
After meeting Xulu, the pair travelled to the offices of a Durban-based security company, where they were welcomed by Imran before joining Kajee in a boardroom.
During the meeting, Kajee reportedly informed Shongwe that someone wished to speak with him by video call.
Although initially reluctant, Shongwe said he eventually agreed and was connected to Khan.
Emotional Appeal Before Alleged Offer
Shongwe described Khan as visibly emotional during the conversation, claiming the suspended Crime Intelligence official appeared distressed and accused him of “suffocating” him through the parliamentary investigation.
According to the MP, Khan asked what it would take to make the matter go away and invited him to a meeting at his Sandton apartment the following week.
Shongwe alleged that Khan then presented several incentives designed to persuade him to change course.
Cash, Contracts and Luxury Vehicles Allegedly Offered
The commission heard that Khan allegedly offered Shongwe a choice between a R2 million security contract involving Checkers or R10 million in cash.
Shongwe further claimed the proposal included two bullet-resistant BMW vehicles fitted with tinted windows.
He told the commission that although he indicated a preference for the cash option during the discussion, he never intended to accept the money and merely continued the conversation to understand the alleged proposal.
Alleged Attempt to Discredit Police Commissioner
As the meeting drew to a close, Shongwe testified that Imran allegedly offered him information that could damage the reputation of Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi.
He said he was encouraged to adjust the way he questioned witnesses in Parliament but declined to receive any material relating to the police commissioner.
The incident strengthened his belief that the approach was intended either to manipulate the parliamentary inquiry or compromise him personally.
Planned Follow-Up Never Happened
According to Shongwe, the meeting concluded with plans for him to travel to Sandton the following week, where he was expected to collect both the alleged R10 million payment and the information relating to Mkhwanazi.
Instead of attending, he said he immediately informed Jacob Zuma about what had happened.
Shongwe testified that Zuma advised him to make the allegations public, prompting him to report the incident to both Parliament’s ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Commission Continues Examining Corruption Claims
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence relating to allegations of corruption and misconduct within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Shongwe’s testimony adds another dramatic chapter to the inquiry, with investigators expected to examine the claims and any supporting evidence as the hearings continue.
