Durban businessman Tariq Downes, Crime Intelligence head Maj-Gen Feroz Khan and Gauteng Hawks head Maj-Gen Ebrahim Kadwa were released on bail of R20,000 each.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Crime Intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan, Durban businessman Tariq Downes, Gauteng Hawks head Maj-Gen Ebrahim Kadwa were each granted R20,000 bail each in the Kempton Magistrate's Court on Monday morning.
The trio was arrested over the weekend on charges of contravening the Precious Metals Act and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
The charges emanate from an incident on 05 May 2021, when Downes was allegedly found in possession of 75.9 grams of unwrought gold, valued at approximately R62,836, at OR Tambo International Airport.
The National Prosecuting Authority said during questioning, Downes allegedly claimed the metal was a brass bar and that he was acting as an undercover agent linked to senior SAPS officials.
"Investigations allegedly established that no authorised undercover operation involving precious metals existed at the time. The state further alleges that Khan and Kadwa instructed officers to release Downes despite there being no supporting documentation for such an operation."
The state did not oppose bail because the offence is Schedule 1.
The case was postponed to July 14 for further investigations.
IOL