Preggy Padayachee, the uncle-in-law of fired Crime Intelligence deputy head Major-General Feroz Khan, has been identified as the man shot dead on the R21 in Ekurhuleni on Monday night in what police are investigating as a suspected hit.
Padayachee was travelling towards OR Tambo International Airport when he was attacked near Griffiths Road. A friend who was with him was wounded in the shooting.
The killing comes amid claims that Padayachee had recently received death threats, raising questions over whether he had been specifically targeted.
A source told IOL the threats may have been linked to business, but the motive for the shooting remains unknown.
“This may be related to business,” the source said.
Police are investigating murder and attempted murder. No arrests have been made.
According to police, the incident began when a Fiat reportedly broke down on the highway and its driver called a friend for assistance. The friend arrived with two other people.
The group was attending to the vehicle when shots were fired.
The driver attempted to flee but lost control and crashed into a jersey barrier. He sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
“One passenger sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment, while the third occupant managed to escape unharmed,” police said.
Padayachee was closely associated with Khan and had previously acted as a spokesperson for Khan’s family during several high-profile developments involving the former senior police officer.
He spoke publicly after Khan was shot in May and later responded to media reports following Khan’s arrest.
The killing comes on the eve of Khan’s scheduled appearance before the Madlanga Commission, where he is expected to testify in camera on Tuesday.
There is no indication from police that Khan’s testimony is connected to Padayachee’s killing.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL News
