The future of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has come under serious scrutiny after Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga indicated that the commission could recommend disbanding the anti-corruption unit altogether. The remarks followed fresh admissions that IDAC repeatedly failed to comply with its own binding operational rules.
The latest evidence came from IDAC head of investigations and operations Matthews Sesoko, who appeared before the Madlanga Commission on Thursday. His testimony added to weeks of evidence concerning alleged misconduct, governance problems and internal disputes within the organisation.
The commission has heard from investigators, prosecutors and former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson, whose testimony included allegations of unlawful investigations, procedural failures, questionable arrests and prosecutions. The developments have already resulted in Johnson’s resignation and the suspension of several senior officials.
Madlanga Commission Questions Future Of IDAC
The Madlanga Commission heard that IDAC’s operational manual, which Sesoko and Johnson formally adopted in October 2024, was not consistently followed despite being binding on all employees, including senior managers. Sesoko accepted responsibility for failing to prevent repeated departures from the prescribed procedures.
He also acknowledged instances where Chief Investigator Dylan Perumal performed duties that should have been handled by the head of investigations and operations. The admissions prompted Madlanga to raise the possibility of the institution being scrapped entirely.
“Or the killing of such an institution altogether,” Madlanga said.
Despite the concerns raised about IDAC, Sesoko urged the commission to consider the organisation’s broader capabilities rather than focusing only on its failures.
“It is a good institution with good structures and good people,” he told commissioners.
Madlanga Commission Considers Legal Protection For IDAC Rules
Madlanga stressed that the commission had not reached a final position on what should happen to IDAC. He said the ultimate recommendation would only be determined after the commission had considered all the evidence.
“I have no idea what we will recommend in the end,” he said.
However, Madlanga suggested that Parliament could consider giving IDAC’s operational framework the force of legislation. He argued that doing so could make it more difficult for future leaders to disregard established investigative procedures.
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“Having the force of an Act of Parliament, it would be less likely that it would be flouted at whim or at will by whoever the head will be,” Madlanga said.
Sesoko supported the proposal, referring to his previous experience in drafting legislation for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). He said a regulatory framework governing the organisation’s operations was necessary.
“There must be a regulation that talks to the operation,” he said.
IDAC Crisis Follows Weeks Of Damning Testimony
The latest revelations form part of a wider examination of IDAC’s conduct and internal management. Evidence presented to the commission has included allegations concerning investigations, arrests, prosecutions and compliance with the unit’s own procedures.
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The fallout has included the resignation of Johnson and the suspension of several senior officials. Sesoko’s testimony has now placed the future structure and legal framework of IDAC among the issues under consideration by the commission.
The Madlanga Commission has adjourned for the week and will resume its hearings on Tuesday, when NCC MP Fadiel Adams is expected to testify.
