By Luyanda Danca, NNA News | Kempton Park, South Africa

Two senior South African police generals and a Durban businessman have been granted bail after appearing before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on charges linked to the unlawful possession of precious metals and defeating the ends of justice.

Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, Major General Feroz Khan and businessman Tariq Downes were each granted bail of R20 000 on Monday. The matter was postponed to 14 July 2026 as investigations continue.

The case has drawn national attention due to the senior positions held by the two police officers within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Kadwa serves as head of the Hawks in Gauteng, while Khan is attached to Crime Intelligence.

The court imposed strict bail conditions, ordering the accused not to interfere with State witnesses and to surrender their passports to the investigating officer. The passports will remain in State custody, and the accused must apply for permission should they wish to travel abroad.

Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, Major General Feroz Khan and businessman Tariq Downes appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, 11 May 2026. (Photo by Luyanda Danga/NNA News)

During proceedings, the State told the court that several valuable items and electronic devices were seized during arrests and searches conducted under J50 warrants. Prosecutors said investigations are ongoing and that additional witnesses are expected to come forward before the next court appearance.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the arrests demonstrate the police service’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

“It is quite disappointing to witness two senior officers, major generals, appearing in court on such a serious case of defeating the ends of justice, but it just shows that as an organisation we are committed to transparency, integrity and rooting out wrongdoing and corruption within our ranks,” said Mathe.

She added that no official would be treated differently because of their rank or position.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence for the matter to proceed.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the decision to prosecute followed consultations between investigators and prosecutors.

“Once we have made the decision to prosecute, which is the case in this matter, then the people were arrested and brought before the court. We are comfortable that we have got a case and that they have a case to answer,” said Kganyago.

Police have also raised concerns about the transportation of precious metals and the alleged role played by the third accused during the operation.

According to Mathe, investigators found that the accused allegedly failed to produce permits required for transporting precious metals. She further stated that the third accused was neither an SAPS officer authorised for undercover operations nor a registered police informer.

The defence did not oppose the bail conditions but argued that one of the accused may need to travel internationally because of work commitments. Defence counsel also requested access to the State’s witness list ahead of the next court appearance.

The matter is expected to return to court on 14 July as investigations continue.