The head of investigations and operations at the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Matthews Sesoko, has detailed the process the specialised unit follows when deciding which matters to investigate.
Giving evidence before the Madlanga Commission, Sesoko said IDAC relies on a formal case selection framework to determine whether complaints fall within the unit’s mandate before any investigation is authorised.
His testimony comes after several witnesses appearing before the commission alleged that IDAC deliberately focuses on high-profile figures in an attempt to force them out of office.
How IDAC’s Case Selection Process Works
Sesoko explained that every matter undergoes multiple stages of scrutiny before reaching the Investigating Director for approval.
According to him, cases are first received, assessed and scored before being considered by a committee, which then makes recommendations.
He outlined the process, saying, “If a matter is received, assessed, scored and recommended by a team and a committee before it reaches the ID for authorisation, the ID’s decision rests on a documented, defensible foundation, and the ID is protected against the very allegations that are now being made.”
Madlanga Commission Hears How IDAC Guards Against Political Influence
Sesoko told the commission that the framework was specifically developed to safeguard the integrity of the case selection process and prevent outside interference.
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He said one of the objectives of the system is to protect the directorate from accusations that it selectively targets certain individuals.
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“The purpose of that process, as recorded in the document itself, was to establish a case intake and selection process that is impervious to undue external influence, and that ensures IDAC is not manipulated to select cases furthering a personal or political agenda. It provided for a Case Intake Committee to assess matters and advise the ID.”
