Edwin Nsimbi

[IDAC DISPELS ALLEGATIONS OF IT TARGETING SENIOR SAPS OFFICIALS] The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) condemns the false allegations circulated on social media platforms, insinuating that IDAC is deliberately targeting SAPS Senior officials, following the arrest of 12 senior police officers and summons being served to the National Police Commissioner, in relation to an alleged irregular contract that was awarded by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to Medicare 24, a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is also an accused in the matter. The NPA, has from the onset, indicated that this matter was referred to the IDAC in 2024, wherein investigations were conducted. It is also imperative to note that this matter was referred to IDAC by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit for investigation, after suspicions of irregularities were discovered. It is therefore irresponsible and reckless for certain formations of society and individuals to create a narrative that the arrests were as a result of submissions made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee set to investigate allegations made by the KZN Police Commissioner on 06 June 2025. The IDAC respects the work done by the commission and the Ad Hoc Committee and will abide by the recommendations that will follow. Furthermore, such false narratives seek to create divisions within the law enforcement fraternity, at a time where South Africans demand to see the wheels of justice in motion in a manner that is collaborative to fight the criminals and not each other. Society also demands to see all law enforcement agencies collaborating in the fight against corruption, something that the IDAC seeks to honour in all of its work and engagements. The IDAC, like many other law enforcement agencies, is not a law unto itself as has been portrayed by the false narratives circulated. A judge was appointed to oversee and ensure that there is compliance and accountability on how the division operates. This also affords every member of society a platform to report any improper action by any official within the division, including the Investigating Director. Society should therefore be vigilant not to fall prey to false narratives created to destabilize the fight against corruption. The attacks and baseless speculations also have the potential to place the lives of the officials working in these complex cases and the Investigating Director and their families at risk. Despite this, the IDAC cannot afford to allow itself to be deterred from discharging its constitutional mandate to the best of its abilities, within the prescribes of the law. The IDAC calls on all South Africans to allow the law to take its course and to follow all court processes where all evidence relating to the Medicare 24 case and all other cases within its radar will be ventilated. The IDAC as an important division within the NPA, prescribes to the principle of investigating and prosecuting without fear, favour or prejudice. Every action that has been taken followed all the due processes of the law. The arrests are based on the evidence at hand. The view shared by certain individuals that others should have been charged is unfortunate as IDAC had to deal with the matters within its space and the evidence it contains. The issues relating to other persons arose at the Madlanga Commission and as and when same are referred to IDAC, same will be acted upon without fear, favour or prejudice. In relation to the arrests, no rules were flouted in arresting the accused in the Medicare 24 matter and any other matter where the accused were summoned to appear before court. The process followed was lawful in all aspects. Crime cannot be allowed to flourish and IDAC, in discharging its mandate, seeks to prevent this as best it can.