Rogue IDAC appoints a wanted suspected

The appointment of Sunnel Bellochun as a senior investigating officer within South Africa's Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has sparked controversy amid allegations that he is the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant linked to a fraud case.

The circumstances surrounding Bellochun's appointment have raised questions about accountability, transparency and internal oversight within both IDAC and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

According to documents cited by complainants, the fraud case was opened by former police officer James Ramanjalum at Pretoria West Police Station under case number CAS 97/05/2021. It is alleged that following the complaint, a warrant for Bellochun's arrest was issued.

Critics argue that despite the existence of the warrant, Bellochun has not been arrested and has continued to occupy a senior investigative position, prompting concerns about whether he has received preferential treatment.

The allegations were further amplified by a sworn statement reportedly made by investigating officer David Mashaba, who claimed his efforts to execute the warrant were interrupted after intervention by two IDAC advocates, identified as Tilas Chabalala and Paul Louw.

In the statement, Mashaba alleged that when he arrived at Bellochun's residence to effect the arrest, Bellochun requested an opportunity to make telephone calls after being shown the warrant.

Mashaba claimed that the two advocates subsequently contacted him and indicated that Bellochun could instead appear in Pretoria on the following Monday.

The matter later attracted the attention of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, which reportedly wrote to then Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Michael Masutha seeking government intervention.

According to the union, concerns had arisen over allegations that certain individuals within SAPS were shielding Bellochun from arrest and prosecution.

POPCRU further alleged that Bellochun had threatened Mashaba, claiming to have influential connections within the office of the National Police Commissioner.

The union questioned what it described as unequal treatment, arguing that an ordinary suspect facing similar allegations would likely have been arrested and compelled to appear before a court.

The controversy has also revived scrutiny of historical allegations involving Bellochun.

In 2018, a woman identified as Lorretta Joubert accused Bellochun and members of a police team of misconduct during a search operation.

Joubert alleged that she was assaulted, harassed and denied access to legal representation during an interrogation that lasted two days.

In correspondence reportedly submitted to the National Police Commissioner and Parliament, Joubert said the incident had left her traumatised and suffering severe psychological distress.

"I too was refused legal representation when this team interrogated me for two days, thereby violating my constitutional rights," Joubert said in a written submission.

She further claimed that a complaint lodged with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) more than two years ago had yet to be resolved.

The allegations remain disputed and no court findings regarding the claims were cited.

Responding to questions about the matter, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame declined to discuss specific evidence or allegations relating to witnesses and ongoing matters.

"IDAC will not discuss the evidence of a witness in the media. The allegations against the advocates and the investigator are untrue and unfounded," Mamothame said.

He also rejected suggestions that there had been interference in the matter, describing such claims as undeserving of consideration.

The allegations have nonetheless intensified calls for clarity regarding Bellochun's status, the reported warrant of arrest and the handling of complaints involving law enforcement and anti-corruption officials.

As questions continue to mount, pressure is likely to grow on the relevant authorities to provide greater transparency and address concerns over whether proper procedures were followed in the matter.