Tuesday 09 June 2026 – Explosive court papers related to the Madlanga Commission have revealed alleged threats against Tax Justice SA leader Yusuf Abramjee, raising fresh concerns about the influence of illicit tobacco networks and their connections to senior law enforcement figures.
At the centre of the revelations are WhatsApp exchanges between Major-General Feroz Khan, senior Crime Intelligence officer, and cigarette businessman Mohamed Sayed, a senior executive of Carnilinx, a tobacco company long accused of involvement in the illicit cigarette trade.
The messages are contained in an affidavit by commission investigator Tshepo Nyatlo and released after Khan withdrew legal action aimed at preventing investigators from accessing data extracted from electronic devices seized during a raid on his Johannesburg home.
The most disturbing exchanges relate to Abramjee, who has been one of the country’s most prominent critics of illicit tobacco operations.
On 7 July 2021, Sayed forwarded Khan an article written by Abramjee highlighting concerns that cigarette brands linked to Carnilinx were being sold below the Minimum Collectable Tax threshold.
According to evidence before the commission, Sayed responded by messaging Khan: “Abramjee gonna get fucked up bru.”
Khan allegedly replied: “fuck him up bro” and then added: “He must stay in his lane.”
Several months later, after Abramjee publicised survey findings showing that 62% of Carnilinx brands were being sold below the tax threshold, Sayed allegedly sent another message to Khan describing Abramjee in vulgar terms and saying: “This poes is asking for it bro.”
The exchanges are expected to intensify scrutiny of the relationship between Khan and Sayed, who were reportedly close associates during the period covered by the messages.
Beyond the threats against Abramjee, the commission is examining allegations that Khan leaked confidential police information to Sayed, assisted efforts to target tobacco industry rivals and participated in discussions involving politically connected individuals.
Nyatlo’s affidavit also details alleged attempts to influence government procurement processes during the Covid-19 pandemic, the sharing of sensitive SAPS information, and communications involving senior political figures.
Khan has been directed to appear before the Madlanga Commission on 1 July 2026.
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