GAUTENG – A top official at the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) was kidnapped while driving home on Friday night, 7 November.
Matthews Sesoko, head of Investigations and Operations at IDAC, was apparently severely assaulted by his assailants. He was then abandoned in the early hours of Saturday morning – around 02:00 -near Rabie Ridge, east of Midrand in Gauteng.
It is said that while he was driving home, a vehicle with gunmen forced him to stop. He was kidnapped and his vehicle was found still idling.
Before abandoning him, his assailants took his cellphone and laptop used for work. He was also forced to withdraw cash from his bank account at various ATMs.
Sesoko managed to receive assistance and was taken to a nearby police station to report the matter. According to Henry Mamothame, IDAC spokesperson, he received medical attention following his traumatic experience.
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His kidnapping and the robbery of his digital devices used for work followed testimony given by IDAC’s head, Andrea Johnson, before Parliament’s ad hoc committee this week. During the testimony, Sesoko’s name was mentioned as being involved in state corruption investigations.
Sesoko is described as a prominent figure in South African law enforcement and anti-corruption efforts. His career has involved high-profile investigations and legal challenges.
While the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is wary of making any speculation on the motive behind this action and whether it is related to his work, the incident and its timing reflects the possible dangers in this space.
“The incident has been reported to the police for criminal investigation,” stated Mamothame.
Unit empowered to investigate complex corruption
IDAC is a specialised and multidisciplinary unit within the NPA, established in 2019. The anti-corruption entity is premised on cooperation and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. This is to ensure integration, accountability and alignment of priorities for the realisation of government’s objective to effectively address corruption.
The unit is empowered to investigate and prosecute high-level and complex corruption, including common law and statutory offences. These include commercial crimes such as fraud, forgery, uttering and theft.
