Timing of kidnapping & robbery of IDAC's head of ops Sesoko raises questions

The recent kidnapping and robbery of IDAC’s head of operations, Matthews Sesoko, has raised eyebrows in the wake of testimony heard before Parliament’s ad hoc committee.

News broke on Saturday that Sesoko was kidnapped on Friday evening and robbed of his state cellphone and laptop.

Sesoko, who oversaw the corruption and fraud investigation that led to the June arrest of Crime Intelligence head, Dumisani Khumalo, and six other Crime Intelligence officials, was released by his assailants around 2 AM on Saturday morning.

Earlier this week, IDAC head, Andrea Johnson, confirmed that Sesoko dealt with the crucial investigation into the Crime Intelligence officials. Khumalo and the six other senior SAPS officials were arrested on fraud and corruption charges.

On Friday night, Sesoko was accosted, assaulted, and held against his will by unknown assailants who forced him off the road before kidnapping him.

IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame confirmed that Sesoko’s state cellphone and laptop were taken during the incident.

"No speculation can be made on whether it is related to his work at IDAC but the timing of this incident reflects the possible dangers of the space he operates in."

Crime expert Chad Thomas also raised concerns around the timing of the incident.

"It is exceptionally concerning that senior members of law enforcement are being targeted by criminal syndicates that may be linked to the ongoing battles for control of South Africa’s policing agencies."

Police are currently investigating the matter.

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