ActionSA MP Dereleen James has denied allegations made during the Madlanga Commission proceedings. She says investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) lied about their dealings with her.
IDAC investigators expected James to provide evidence in an investigation into the alleged purchase of two properties using Crime Intelligence covert funds.
Investigators claimed that James did not meet them or return calls from chief investigator Dylan Perumal. They also alleged that she later lodged a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
James Rejects the Claims
James released a media statement on 5 August 2026. In the statement, she rejected the allegations and defended her actions.
She said she never received classified documents under the door of her parliamentary office. James said security controls access to her office, and CCTV cameras monitor the area. She believes the footage will prove that no one delivered any documents.
She also accused IDAC investigators of making false claims about her.
Why She Approached IPID
James said she became aware of the matter after reading media reports about the alleged purchase of a hotel by Crime Intelligence. She then called on IPID to investigate the issue.
James said IPID had the legal responsibility to investigate possible police misconduct.
James said a man later contacted her and identified himself as an investigator from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). She claimed that he encouraged her to deal with IDAC instead of pursuing an IPID investigation.
As a result, she felt uncomfortable and decided not to continue engaging with NPA or IDAC investigators.
Commission Continues
James said she refused to become involved in what she believed was a suspicious situation. She also defended her work in Parliament and said she remains committed to fighting organised crime.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence about alleged corruption, interference in investigations, and the misuse of Crime Intelligence resources.
The commission has not reached any findings against Dereleen James, and the proceedings are still ongoing.
