Ntuthuzelo Vanara appointed acting head of IDAC

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has appointed Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara as the acting head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Vanara, who currently serves as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), will assume the role on a secondment basis with immediate effect until a permanent replacement is found.

Vanara succeeds Andrea Johnson, who resigned in July following controversies regarding IDAC’s investigations into Crime Intelligence officials and testimony provided to the Madlanga Commission. Johnson’s departure came after concerns were raised regarding the credibility of certain investigations and the conduct of officials within the directorate.

To restore confidence in IDAC, the Justice Ministry has announced several corrective measures. These include conducting an audit of IDAC cases, performing lifestyle audits on employees, reviewing staff qualifications and job profiles, and reviewing operating procedures. Several officials have already been suspended pending further investigation.