Corruption allegations prompt parliamentary inquiry's focus towards some IDAC officials

Two senior investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) are set to feature prominently in Parliament's probe into the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July.

Sunnel Bellochun and Dylan Perumal, both of whom have been required to defend the integrity of their practices as IDAC investigators, emanating from numerous complaints against them, are expected to testify before Parliament’s ad hoc committee.

Dates for the ad hoc committee's sittings are yet to be confirmed.

IDAC is the anti-corruption unit of the National Prosecuting Authority.

The allegations against Bellochun and Perumal relate not only to alleged acts of misconduct but also include claims from Loretta Joubert, who alleged that the pair harassed and tortured her during the execution of a search warrant on November 28, 2018.

Joubert detailed in her complaint to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate how she was physically assaulted and tortured at the Opera Plaza building in Pretoria by the two. She faced fraud and money laundering charges in 2018 and lodged her complaint in 2020.

In an interview with the Daily News on Sunday, UMkhonto WeSizwe Member of Parliament (MP) David Skosana explained the urgency of the committee's inquiry: “Following numerous complaints against the duo, we deemed it necessary to summon these two investigators to the committee." General Mkhwanazi has elaborated on the modus operandi at IDAC, inspiring public concern.

This scrutiny of IDAC officials comes at a time when the agency is already under fire for alleged political interference in policing matters. Both Bellochun and Perumal have been involved with high-profile cases, including matters involving former Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the recent arrest of crime squad intelligence chief, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo.

Businessman Kisheen Chetty is another who has gone public with accusations of unethical tactics employed by an IDAC prosecutor in a matter that he is involved with, having come under IDAC scrutiny. Chetty’s legal battle outlines a history of systemic delays that culminated in his case being improperly reintroduced to court, a claim he attributed directly to the manipulation of the justice system by IDAC’s prosecutor, Senior State Advocate Tilas Chabalala.

In his recent formal complaint, which is before the High Court, Chetty accused Chabalala of defeating the ends of justice and being in contempt of court, asserting that previous judicial rulings that were in his favour had been ignored.

Allegations of perjury have also been raised against Chabalala regarding his relationship with Paroex Auto Tech and Mechanical Holdings. Paroex Auto Tech and Mechanical Holdings were awarded a contract to brand police vehicles.

In spite of Chabalala claiming to have no knowledge about the company during proceedings in Chetty's matter, evidence suggested that IDAC investigators, including Bellochun, were already aware of this association with Paroex. According to Bellochun's statement, Chabalala was first made aware of Paroex in late 2020, which is in conflict with Chabalala's submission in court.

Apart from Bellochun, Perumal, and Chabalala, IDAC's senior investigator, Brian Padayachee, is also expected to appear before the parliamentary committee.

Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was also included among those who would be making an appearance before the same committee, at the behest of various political parties.

MP David Skosana reiterated the necessity of including these figures, stating, “Their relevance to state capture issues and prior mentions by General Mkhwanazi cannot be overlooked as we work diligently to address these growing concerns.”

Bellochun, Perumal, and Chabalala were approached for comment, and this newspaper was referred to IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, who declined to comment and categorised the issues raised as baseless. “No comment on such wild allegations,” said Mamothame.

DAILY NEWS