Justice minister orders sweeping overhaul of Idac

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) will undergo a comprehensive overhaul following allegations of misconduct against several of its senior officials that emerged during proceedings before the Madlanga Commission. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced the measures during a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, describing the reforms as a "comprehensive reset" aimed at restoring the directorate's credibility and effectiveness. The commission has heard allegations of wrongdoing involving former Idac head advocate Andrea Johnson, as well as senior officials Dylan Perumal, Brian Padayachee and Suneel Bellochun. Kubayi said the directorate required significant operational improvements to strengthen accountability, efficiency and effectiveness. "We have commenced a process aimed at facilitating a comprehensive reset of Idac, aimed at rebranding and repositioning the Directorate to enhance its effectiveness, strengthen its institutional identity, and ensure its long-term success in delivering on its mandate," she said. Among the measures already under way is a review of all 146 IDAC employees. The department's Human Resource Management and Development unit has been tasked with comparing employees' qualifications and experience against their job requirements, with the assessment due to be completed by 14 August. All Idac staff members will also undergo lifestyle audits as a matter of urgency. Kubayi said the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) would second an experienced investigator to the National Prosecuting Service to conduct a comprehensive audit of all Idac cases. In the interim, the National Prosecuting Service is reviewing Crime Intelligence Division matters already enrolled, while all Section 28 authorisations will be reassessed against the directorate's mandate, intake criteria and referral procedures. Cases currently before the courts will also be reviewed to ensure appropriate charges have been brought. The minister said Idac's operational management systems and standard operating procedures would be reviewed, while the directorate would also strengthen its in-house digital forensic capabilities. Kubayi confirmed that chief investigator Dylan Perumal had been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings. She added that disciplinary action had already commenced against officials falling under the authority of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, with Brian Padayachee and Suneel Bellochun also suspended pending disciplinary hearings. Earlier this week, Johnson resigned from her position with immediate effect after giving evidence before the Madlanga Commission. Despite the allegations, Kubayi rejected calls for Idac to be disbanded. "Those who are making these calls must disabuse themselves of the tendency to reduce institutions to individuals. Individuals come and go, but institutions remain, and we must defend and protect institutions because they are formed to fulfil a societal need rather than the agendas of individuals," she said. She said individuals who abused their authority or departed from established procedures must be held accountable, adding that evidence before the commission suggested some officials had deliberately ignored standard operating procedures to further their own interests. Kubayi said the reforms were intended to ensure there was "no impunity" and that rogue elements within the directorate would be dealt with decisively. The minister also announced a broader policy review of Idac alongside an ongoing review of the National Prosecuting Authority Act. Among the issues under consideration are fixed terms of office for Directors of Public Prosecutions and the head of Idac, stronger internal accountability mechanisms across the NPA, and measures to eliminate conflicts of interest. Kubayi cited concerns that prosecutors could be required to authorise arrest warrants involving their own colleagues, describing the situation as a clear conflict of interest that should be addressed through legislative reform. She reiterated the importance of the NPA as the state's sole authority responsible for instituting criminal prosecutions and urged South Africans to support the institution while holding individuals accountable. Although only 18 months old, Kubayi said Idac still had significant potential to become a strong anti-corruption institution, adding that many investigators and prosecutors within the directorate had continued to uphold their oath of office and deserved public support.