MK party tables bill to dismantle Idac amid turmoil

The MK party has submitted legislation to Parliament seeking to abolish the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) and reintegrate its functions into existing state law‑enforcement and prosecuting bodies, the party said.

What the bill proposes

The party lodged the Idac Abolition Bill, 2026, as a Private Member’s Bill with Parliament’s Legislative Drafting and Legal Services Office for processing. MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said the bill aims to dismantle Idac, transfer investigative duties to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) and move prosecutorial functions back into the ordinary structures of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“The MK party believes that South Africa’s fight against corruption is best served by strong, properly resourced constitutional institutions operating within a single, accountable chain of investigation and prosecution, rather than through parallel structures,” Mahlangu said.

Mahlangu said the party will provide further details as the parliamentary process unfolds.

Context: turmoil at Idac

Idac has been under intense public scrutiny following the resignation of its head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, and revelations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The commission heard testimony over several days that focused in part on Idac’s operations and mandate.

Suspensions and allegations

On Thursday, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced the suspension of Idac chief investigator Dylan Perumal and senior investigators Brian Padayachee and Suneel Bellochun. The source links these suspensions to recent commission testimony.

Johnson’s testimony included responses to allegations that Idac had acted outside its mandate while pursuing a criminal case involving Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and other officials. Perumal and Padayachee were part of the team that pursued the case against Khumalo.

Bellochun was reportedly one of investigators alleged to have interviewed suspended police sergeant Fannie Nkosi without his lawyer present at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre on 13 July, in relation to enquiries about alleged corrupt links involving businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Khumalo.

Allegations of internal dysfunction

Fresh testimony at the commission also highlighted alleged internal problems at Idac. State advocate Drushantha Ramsamy accused Johnson of disregarding established procedures and fostering a hostile work environment, according to the source.

Next steps

The MK party has said it will outline further details as the bill proceeds through the parliamentary process. The source does not provide a timetable for parliamentary consideration.