Investigator Padayachee rejects unqualified allegations

A senior investigator with South Africa's anti-corruption unit has strongly denied allegations that he is unqualified for his role and has improperly influenced prosecutions, testifying before a judicial commission that the claims are baseless. Retired Colonel Brian Padayachee of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to respond to accusations leveled by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Padayachee, a lead investigator in a high-profile corruption case against Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, rejected Mkhwanazi's claims that he lacked the requisite skills and experience for his position. He detailed a 38-and-a-half-year career with the South African Police Service, stating he was headhunted and appointed as a senior investigator in October 2021 by the former head of IDAC. He listed his credentials, including detective training and specialized courses, and cited his involvement in several major investigations prior to joining IDAC.

The investigator also disputed allegations that he manipulated investigations...