Chief Investigator Perumal

Chief Investigator Perumal helped lead and coordinate the team of investigators under the leadership and guidance of the prosecutors.

“Mr Perumal is a chief investigator and would have helped lead and coordinate the team of investigators, obviously under the leadership and guide of the prosecutors.”

Advocate Manilall, Ramsamy, Hlatshwayo, Perumal, Padayachee, Wessels, Mlambo, Eals, and Mbalo were part of the investigation team at different stages.

“It is on my document that it is Manilall, Ramsamy, Hlatshwayo, Perumal, Padayachee, Wessels, Mr Mlambo, Mr Eals, and Mr Mbalo.”

There is a discrepancy between Colonel Padayachee stating he was provided a copy of the Section 27 referral and Chief Investigator Perumal stating Padayachee was not given it and had never seen it.

“Are you saying Chief Investigator Perumal said to you that Colonel Padayachee was provided with a copy of the Section 27 referral? No, he said... I have never seen it. It is never provided.”

Lieutenant General Khumalo personally thanked Chief Investigator Perumal for treating him and his co-accused respectfully during the arrest process, indicating no ulterior motives by the unit involved.

“Once Lieutenant General Khumalo had been processed at Brooklyn Police Station, he personally thanked Chief Investigator Perumal for treating him and the other co-accused in a respectful and dignified manner. This talks to anything but the conduct of a unit that is motivated by ulterior motives other than to address alleged criminality.”

The appointments of the persons listed including Khumalo, Lushaba, Madondo, Moyana, Ncube, Van Vuuren, Mokwele, and Bobi are under investigation, specifically their promotions.

“During the briefing by Chief Investigator Perumal , the appointments of these people mentioned here , right , and this is what we were requested to subpoena because the appointments are also under investigation .”

Colonel Padayachee says the Chief Investigator knows all investigations and explains details, while he can only account for his part.

“The Chief Investigator knows all the investigations... My investigation is this matter and therefore... I can account for what is mine.”

There is uncertainty or discrepancy about who actually took the statement of the complainant, whether it was Mr Adams or Chief Investigator Perumal; Colonel Padayachee admits he was not present when the statement was taken.

“I say, I use it in the context that IDAC takes the statement of the complainant . But the particulars statement that is before the Commission now , I was not present .”

The signature on the affidavit appears to have been placed in the wrong place and, comparing signatures, the signature on the bottom of the page appears to be Mr Adams and not Chief Investigator Perumal.

“Th e w a y I s e e i t h e r e , i s t h a t t h e s i g n a t u r e i s p u t i n t h e w r o n g p l a c e h e r e . ... Th e s i g n a t u r e o n t h e b o t t o m o f t h e p a g e a p p e a r s t o b e m i s t e r , f r o m t h e w a y I l o o k a t t h e o t h e r s i g n a t u r e s t h a t a r e i n t h e a c t u a l a f f i d a v i t , i t a p p e a r s t o b e M r A d a m s .”

Investigations under Chief Investigator Perumal cover broader issues arising from a referral, including multiple investigative offices and cases.

“And that, those other investigations will fall under the ambit of Chief Investigator Perumal who is responsible for the broader investigation with the different investigating offices.”