Preggy Padayachee, the uncle-in-law of former Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan, was shot dead on the R21 in Ekurhuleni on Monday night, 5 October.Gauteng police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder following the shooting on the R21 towards OR Tambo International Airport.
According to anti-crime campaigner, Yusuf Abramjee, the incident happened after a Fiat travelling on the R21 reportedly experienced a breakdown. The driver contacted a friend for assistance, and the friend arrived with two other people. While the group was attending to the vehicle, shots were fired at them. Police said the driver attempted to evade the gunfire but lost control of the vehicle and collided with a jersey barrier. The driver sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
One passenger sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital for treatment, while the third occupant managed to escape unharmed.Padayachee was later identified as the deceased. Reports have identified him as Khan’s uncle-in-law and a close associate.
Police have not confirmed a motive for the shooting and no arrests had been made at the time of publication. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible. While some reports have described the incident as a possible targeted attack, police have not confirmed that Padayachee was specifically targeted.
Padayachee had previously spoken publicly on behalf of Khan’s family after Khan was shot earlier this year. Khan’s Madlanga Commission testimony postponed.The shooting occurred a day before Khan was scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, 6 October. The commission confirmed that Khan appeared remotely and in camera on Tuesday morning but was unable to testify following the death of his family member.
His testimony has subsequently been postponed to a date that has yet to be determined. There has been no confirmation from police that Padayachee’s killing was connected to Khan’s scheduled testimony. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Globe Post will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
