The Re-Positioning of Forensic Investigations Units in the Public Sector of the Republic of South Africa

This article explores the re-positioning of Forensic Investigations Units (FIUs) in the public sector of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) with a view to transforming it into an effective service that is strategically positioned. These FIUs are established and functioning within the state Departments, State-Owned Entities (SOEs) and Municipalities as well as performing more or less similar roles as those of other independent institutions such as the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA), Special Investigating Unit (SIU), etc. They may have different powers, however, the purpose is the same of investigating various offenses reported, referred and proclaimed within their respective institutions. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and ten (10) participants from various FIUs in the public sector of the RSA were interviewed using open-ended interview questions. Documents analysed and participants interviewed were selected purposively using purposive sampling. The study found that at the current set-up organogram of the Anti-Corruption Units across all the spheres of government in the RSA; the FIUs should be positioned in the Office of Director’s-General (DGs), Head of Departments (HoDs), Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Municipal Managers (MMs) to independently exercises their mandate of investigating corruption, fraud and related offences without fear or favour.