The establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) was intended to be a pivotal step in South Africa’s fight against corruption, offering an independent prosecutorial unit within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).However, recent revelations from the Madlanga commission of inquiry have cast doubt on Idac’s credibility.

The commission highlighted concerns about the arrest of Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, head of SAPS crime intelligence, and the lack of a coherent case presented by Idac officials.Andrea Johnson, head of Idac, admitted the investigation into Khumalo was triggered by politicians, undermining claims of impartiality.This admission has raised alarms about the potential dismantling of Idac, mirroring the fate of the disbanded Scorpions unit.

Critics warn that losing Idac would leave the country without a specialised body to tackle high-level corruption, risking the resurgence of political impunity.The article stresses the need to protect Idac from factional interests to preserve the fragile progress in combating corruption.