Tshwane: Retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga has been officially announced as the inaugural Ombud of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), with the oversight body's offices to be housed at SALU Building in Tshwane.
According to South African Government News Agency, the IDAC Ombud is mandated to investigate allegations of abuse of power, probe allegations of improper conduct, maladministration, and related complaints at the directorate. The judge is appointed for a non-renewable term of five years. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Kubayi announced the establishment of a team with investigators, including seconded investigators from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and officials from the Office of the Chief Justice, who will be permanently employed into the structure of the office, supported by the department.
Answering questions from the media, Minister Kubayi addressed concerns about the IDAC potentially needing to start anew following allegations against directorate officials at the Madlanga Commission. She emphasized that the institution should not be considered hopeless, highlighting the role of the Ombud as an oversight mechanism to independently investigate when issues arise. Kubayi expressed that institutions cannot be dismantled due to isolated incidents and stressed the importance of protecting institutions while evaluating and taking necessary actions when appropriate.
Kubayi also emphasized the need to maintain the credibility and integrity of IDAC, asserting that individuals are not above the organizations. She reiterated the importance of high ethical and moral standards within IDAC, stating that its formation was for a specific reason and that its work must remain credible.
National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the NPA, Advocate Andy Mothibi, supported the significance of IDAC, noting its establishment to focus on implementing the outcomes of the Zondo Commission. Mothibi assured that if allegations at the Madlanga Commission are substantiated, the prosecutorial body would take necessary disciplinary steps to maintain the integrity of IDAC.