‘The problem is not the institution’: Ad hoc committee divided on whether Idac should be shut down

The Committee on Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption within the South African police forces remains divided over the fate of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac). While the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the complete dissolution of Idac, other parties argue that the institution should be reformed rather than disbanded.

DA chief whip Glynnis Breytenbach stated that Idac should be closed down and replaced by an independent anti-corruption commission outside the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). She advocated for the NPA to have greater financial and operational independence, arguing that Idac's budget should no longer be sourced from the Department of Justice but be negotiated directly with the Treasury.

However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party opposes the idea of dismantling Idac. EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys suggested that corruption can affect any organization, and instead of dissolving the body, legislative and oversight mechanisms should be strengthened. Mathys acknowledged that Idac's problems stemmed from a lack of independence, but believed that other entities could be susceptible to the same issues.

EFF president Julius Malema also rejected the notion of closing Idac, stating that the institution was not inherently flawed; rather, it was the individuals occupying it and the absence of effective oversight that led to its problems. He emphasized the importance of early detection mechanisms to hold corrupt individuals accountable.

The African National Congress (ANC) MP Mdumiseni Ntuli shared a similar perspective, suggesting that rather than eliminating the institution, efforts should be made to address the specific individuals and conditions within Idac that contributed to its issues. Ntuli argued that closing Idac would not solve the root problem.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) party tabled a bill to disband Idac, aligning with the DA's stance. UDM MP David Skosana reiterated his party's call for Idac to close, emphasizing that the institution was unnecessary and should not continue to operate.

Idac has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of investigations, particularly concerning the appointment of Dineo Mokwele, which was later withdrawn. The directorate has also been implicated in several disciplinary actions against its investigators, including Dylan Perumal, Brian Padayachee, and Suneel Bellochun. The situation has come to a head during proceedings at the Madlanga commission, leading to the resignation of former Idac head Andrea Johnson.