Retired Judge Joseph Raulinga has moved to clarify the mandate of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Oversight Judge, stressing that the office does not investigate intelligence-related matters and operates within clearly defined legal boundaries.
Raulinga said every oversight and law enforcement institution is expected to respect jurisdictional limits while maintaining communication where procedural cooperation is necessary.
He emphasised that intelligence matters remain the responsibility of the Inspector General of Intelligence and do not fall within the scope of the IDAC Oversight Judge’s office.
Raulinga also dismissed any suggestion that the oversight role interferes with criminal investigations, saying the office’s functions do not reduce the authority of the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) to investigate alleged criminal conduct involving individuals or institutions.
“It is important to clarify that the Office of the IDAC Oversight Judge does not investigate intelligence matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the Inspector General of Intelligence,” Raulinga said.
He added that the office’s mandate does not diminish the investigative powers of SAPS or the Hawks.