President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Hermione Theresa Cronje as head of the Investigating Directorate in the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions which will oversee state capture crime trials, his office has said.
“In addition, the directorate will investigate any unlawful activities relating to serious, high-profile or complex corruption — including but not limited — to offences or criminal or unlawful activities arising from current commissions and enquiries,” the presidency said on Friday.
The appointment follows the president’s commitment in March that the directorate would address allegations emerging from the current commissions of inquiry and corruption-related crimes.
The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, Public Investment Corporation and other commissions have heard of contract rigging and influence peddling by a number of individuals and companies — including the Gupta Family.
Ramaphosa issued the proclamation on the recommendation of the justice and police ministers as well as NPA head, Shamila Batohi.
The new directorate will investigate offences, including fraud, forgery, uttering, theft and any offence involving dishonesty.
Cronje will head the directorate for a period of five years with effect from 15 May 2019.
NM/as/APA