The Madlanga commission of inquiry is examining whether the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) acted within its legal mandate during the investigation into the Khumalo corruption case.

Senior Investigator Brian Padayachee admitted he never saw Fadiel Adams’ referral affidavit, which led to the controversial arrest of police crime intelligence boss Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo.

The commission highlighted concerns that Idac's jurisdiction was not fully met by Adams’ complaint, which alleged the use of an unqualified civilian in a senior SAPS role.Khumalo faces charges of fraud and corruption alongside other senior crime intelligence officials.

Padayachee defended Idac's actions, stating the case fell within legal requirements, but commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned the lack of access to the referral affidavit.

The case has sparked internal tensions within the police force, with KwaZulu-Natal provincial SAPS head Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi calling the arrest a ploy to delay investigations.The debate over Idac's mandate underscores broader concerns about accountability and procedural integrity in high-profile corruption cases.