Retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga Appointed as IDAC Ombud

Posted 10 July 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Legal & Constitutional

Brought to you by SAnews: The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has announced the appointment of retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga as the inaugural Ombud for the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

In terms of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, No. 32 of 1998, as amended by the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, No. 14 of 2024, the newly established Ombud office will be housed at the SALU Building in Tshwane. Judge Raulinga has been appointed for a non-renewable term of five years to head this independent oversight mechanism.

The statutory mandate of the IDAC Ombud includes the following duties:

  • Investigating allegations of abuse of power within the directorate;
  • Probing allegations of improper conduct and maladministration; and
  • Resolving related complaints directed at IDAC personnel.

Operational Structure and Staffing

To support the establishment of the office, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has seconded investigators from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and transferred permanent officials from the Office of the Chief Justice. These officials will be integrated permanently into the structure of the Ombud’s office.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) confirmed that while IDAC continues its mandate of implementing the outcomes of the State Capture Commission (Zondo Commission), any allegations of misconduct raised against IDAC officials, including those at the Madlanga Commission, will be subject to disciplinary processes if substantiated. The Ombud will serve as an independent buffer to ensure the integrity of these processes.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, criminal law practitioners and regulatory specialists should note the operationalisation of this office as the primary statutory channel for complaints against IDAC.
  • For your business: Corporate risk and compliance departments should update their internal legal directories and escalation protocols to include the IDAC Ombud for matters involving corruption investigations.
  • For your clients: Clients under investigation by IDAC who suspect procedural unfairness, abuse of power, or maladministration now have a formal, independent statutory office to which they can submit complaints for investigation.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/retired-judge-takalani-joseph-raulinga-named-idac-ombud

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