Madlanga Commission is set to hear testimony from senior IDAC investigator Brian Padayachee, as serious allegations over alleged unlawful surveillance and misconduct place the anti-corruption body under intense scrutiny.
At the centre of the controversy are claims that Padayachee orchestrated illegal telephone interceptions and authorised covert surveillance outside the limits of the law.
Durban businessman Thoshan Panday alleged that his communications were unlawfully monitored for more than a decade through the alleged misuse of interception orders obtained under the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA).
According to the allegations, investigators supplied misleading information to courts to secure interception warrants.
Padayachee is also accused of inserting the phone numbers of unrelated, high-profile individuals, including former SAPS National Commissioner Bheki Cele, into surveillance applications to facilitate covert monitoring.
Further claims before the commission question Padayachee’s security vetting and access to classified information within IDAC.
Among those raising concerns is KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who has publicly questioned whether the investigator operated within structures that bypassed established policing procedures.
The commission is also examining broader allegations from whistleblowers who claim Padayachee and IDAC head Adv. Andrea Johnson formed part of an alleged law enforcement “cabal”.
Witnesses have alleged that the group employed irregular investigative methods, selectively handled sensitive criminal complaints, and extorted suspects to shield favoured officials.
Padayachee is expected to appear before the commission as it continues probing the claims. The allegations remain under investigation, and no findings have yet been made.
The proceedings are expected to start at 9:30am.
