Johannesburg: More than R3 billion in recoveries, at least 37 high-profile cases underway, with a further 20 cases still under investigation. This is the hard evidence Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has presented in a counter to claims that government is dragging its feet in the implementation of the State Capture Commission recommendations. The Minister was delivering an address during the University of Johannesburg’s Combatting Corruption Summit held on Friday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister cited the example of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which she said is working to bring perpetrators to book both in court and through paying back the money. Kubayi highlighted the progress made by the NPA in addressing State Capture corruption matters, focusing on both high-profile cases and the recovery of assets through the NPA Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU).
Since the submission of the report to the President, IDAC (Investigating Directorate Against Corruption), under NPA, has been dealing with 120 recommendations by the State Capture Commission, which are dealt with under 37 cases. The recommendations are being handled as follows: 82 recommendations involving 20 cases are still under investigation, 23 recommendations involving nine cases are before court with suspects charged, four recommendations involving two cases have been finalized, and 11 recommendations involving five cases are under consideration for authorization. IDAC decided not to prosecute one case under one recommendation.
Kubayi also noted that IDAC is managing State Capture related matters with no specific recommendations, having identified 57 such cases. Out of these, 28 cases are before court, 23 are under investigation, and six are under authorization. The AFU has recovered R3.9 billion in stolen assets.
Beyond accountability, the government has implemented measures to strengthen law enforcement, establishing IDAC and the Special Tribunal. Kubayi acknowledged that more work is needed to hold many perpetrators accountable and announced plans to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, including a review of the Protected Disclosure Act to incentivize whistleblowing. She emphasized government support for the NPA and IDAC through resources and expertise.
The Minister called on society to collaborate with government in combating corruption and crime, urging citizens to play their part in preventing and addressing these issues within their communities. Kubayi concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective action in the fight against crime and corruption in the country.