PRETORIA - The Madlanga Commission is expected to conclude its week-long examination of the work of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Anti-Corruption Task Team (IDAC) and its leadership on Friday.
The commission's proceedings on Thursday focused on the testimony of IDAC investigator Brian Padayachee, who faced sustained questioning over the scope of his investigation into crime intelligence officials.
Commissioners repeatedly questioned why Padayachee's probe extended into what they described as South African Police Service human resources matters, particularly the composition of an interview panel for a senior appointment.
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Padayachee defended his concerns, arguing that the inclusion of candidates with qualifications in law, public administration, management and criminology resulted in an appointment that appeared "glaringly abnormal".
He maintained that internal crime intelligence officials should have been better suited for the position.
However, commissioners challenged his reasoning, questioning what authority IDAC had to scrutinise SAPS recruitment processes. They argued that the investigation appeared to stray beyond IDAC's anti-corruption mandate and into internal HR matters.
Co-commissioner Sesi Baloyi told Padayachee that while the recruitment process "may look abnormal", the key issue was whether IDAC had the legal mandate to prescribe how SAPS should structure job advertisements or interview panels.
"The more you explain yourself, Colonel, the more all of this sounds like meddling in an HR matter," Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga added.
The commission is expected to wrap up its focus on IDAC and its leadership during Friday's proceedings.