The Madlanga Commission has postponed the in-camera testimony of former Crime Intelligence deputy head Feroz Khan after a family member was shot dead on the R21.

Khan appeared before the commission remotely and behind closed doors on Tuesday morning. He was not in a position to testify, the commission said, and the evidence was put off to a date still to be set.

“Due to the death of a family member resulting from a shooting incident on the R21 in Gauteng last night, Mr Khan is not in a position to testify today,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said. “The commission has therefore postponed the testimony of Mr Khan to a date which has yet to be determined. The commission will make further announcements in this regard.”

The family member has been identified as Preggy Padayachee, Khan’s uncle-in-law. He was killed on Monday evening, 5 October, near Griffiths Road in Ekurhuleni, on the R21 towards OR Tambo International Airport. A friend travelling with him was wounded.

Police are investigating murder and attempted murder. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a driver in a Fiat broke down and called for help. Shots were fired as the group attended to the vehicle. The driver was declared dead at the scene. One passenger was taken to hospital and a third person escaped. The motive is unknown and no arrests have been made.

Tuesday’s session had been limited to the bench, the evidence leaders and their attorneys, and Khan’s lawyers. Those present were barred from publishing any recording. Khan was to be questioned on evidence led in camera on 7 and 9 July.

The postponement is the latest delay in his evidence. He did not appear on 28 September, including by video link. Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga called that absence a flagrant disregard of a subpoena and directed the commission secretary to take steps toward criminal charges.

Khan was himself shot in Houghton in June, days before an earlier date to testify. Padayachee spoke for the family then and said those responsible would have to pay.

The commission’s final report is due on 25 January 2027.