Key Takeaways:
- Matthews Sesoko, head of operations at the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), was kidnapped and assaulted.
- The incident occurred on Friday night while Sesoko was driving home near Johannesburg.
- His assailants stole his cellphone and laptop before abandoning him.
- Sesoko is receiving medical attention and has reported the incident to the police.
- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is cautious about speculating on the motive, but acknowledges the potential dangers faced by those working in this field.
- Sesoko was involved in the investigation that led to the arrest of Crime Intelligence Head, Dumisani Khumalo.
- The kidnapping follows IDAC head Andrea Johnson’s testimony before Parliament.
The head of operations for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Matthews Sesoko, was kidnapped on Friday night while on his way home. The incident took place near Rabie Ridge, north of Johannesburg, where his assailants assaulted him before leaving him.
According to a statement released by IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame, Sesoko’s cellphone and laptop were stolen during the attack. After being abandoned, Sesoko managed to find assistance and was taken to a nearby police station, where he reported the crime.
Mamothame confirmed that Sesoko is currently receiving necessary medical attention to address the trauma he experienced. While the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is refraining from speculating about the motive behind the kidnapping or whether it is related to Sesoko’s work, they recognize the potential dangers involved in this line of work. The incident has been reported to the police and is under criminal investigation.
Notably, Sesoko was a key part of the investigation that led to the arrest of Crime Intelligence Head, Dumisani Khumalo, in June. The kidnapping also occurred shortly after IDAC head Andrea Johnson’s testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee this week. This timing has raised concerns about potential connections between the kidnapping and IDAC’s work in combating corruption.