Explosive claims by Thoshan Panday against IDAC's investigation methods

DURBAN businessman Thoshan Panday is set to present serious allegations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, claiming that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) was engaged in some “unorthodox” investigation methods to unlawfully target those under investigation.

- SIPHO JACK

Central to Panday’s claims is his assertion that senior investigator Brian Padayachee illegally intercepted his phone calls over a decade ago, which he believes raises serious doubts about the agency's integrity and its mandate to combat corruption.

To support his assertions, Panday has also contacted the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee, and indicated that he can provide crucial insight into the alleged corruption at the IDAC.

Through his lawyers, he documented the extent of what he deemed misconduct within the agency.

“We believe that our client has valuable input for your commission in its mandate and investigative process,” read the correspondence, which was sent to both the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and Madlanga Commission.

Panday faces legal challenges over his alleged contraventions of the country's tax legislation.

His legal woes initially began more than 15 years ago regarding the R47 million Soccer World Cup fraud and corruption case involving former KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Mmamonnye Ngobeni.

Two years ago, the NPA's Asset forfeiture Unit (AFU) and Investigating Directorate (ID) seized luxury assets worth more than R165 million from him in light of all the allegations he faced.