top of page
Search

Public Interest SA notes DPCI clarification and confirms referral of complaint to IDAC




Johannesburg, South Africa | Sunday,12 July 2026 — Public Interest SA notes and welcomes the media statement issued today by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), which clarifies the status of the complaint submitted by our organisation.


The DPCI has correctly stated that it is not investigating the Acting National Commissioner and that the complaint lodged by Public Interest SA has been referred to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) because it relates to an existing investigation already being conducted by that directorate.


This position is consistent with the correspondence received by Public Interest SA from the DPCI, which explained that registering a separate investigation would unnecessarily duplicate an existing process and that our complaint would accordingly be forwarded to IDAC for consideration as part of that investigation.


Public Interest SA accepts this explanation and supports the principle of avoiding unnecessary duplication of investigations and the inefficient use of public resources. Our overriding concern has always been to ensure that the serious allegations and supporting evidence contained in our complaint receive proper, impartial and thorough consideration by the appropriate investigative authority, particularly in light of public pronouncements already made on the matter by Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and the DAC leadership. It is therefore essential that the investigation remains evidence-driven, independent and free from any perception of prejudgment.

Following confirmation that the referral to IDAC was effected on Friday, Public Interest SA has requested the particulars of that referral, including:

  • the name and designation of the IDAC official to whom the complaint was referred;

  • the date of the referral;

  • the applicable IDAC reference number; and

  • the appropriate IDAC contact person for future correspondence.


This information is necessary to ensure that any further engagement is directed to the appropriate officials and that Public Interest SA can responsibly monitor the progress of the matter.


The DPCI's clarification should also dispel any misunderstanding that the referral of our complaint constituted the registration of a new criminal case or a separate investigation by the DPCI. The referral simply ensures that the information and evidence submitted by Public Interest SA may be considered within the scope of an existing IDAC investigation.


"We remain committed to supporting lawful, independent and professional investigations. We will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and will make ourselves available should any additional information or clarification be required.


"Our objective has never been to seek parallel investigations, but to ensure that credible allegations of corruption and misconduct are thoroughly investigated in the interests of accountability, the rule of law and public confidence in South Africa's criminal justice system without fear, favour, or prejudice," said Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA.


END

_____


Media Enquiries:


Bagaetsho Oteng



 
 
bottom of page