PRETORIA, Thursday 15 October 2026 — ActionSA has unveiled two proposed legislative amendments that would abolish the Hawks and transfer their functions and resources to an expanded Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), as part of a plan to restructure South Africa’s response to serious corruption and organised crime.
The proposals, announced on Thursday by ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James, would significantly expand IDAC’s investigative and prosecutorial mandate while introducing additional safeguards intended to protect the institution from political interference.
The party has described the proposed framework as “Scorpions 2.0”, drawing on the model of the former Directorate of Special Operations, which was disbanded in 2009.
Proposal would replace the Hawks
Under ActionSA’s proposed South African Police Service Amendment Bill, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, would be dissolved.
Its existing functions and resources would be transferred to a strengthened IDAC operating within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
A corresponding amendment to the NPA Act would expand IDAC’s mandate beyond its current responsibilities.
The proposed institution would investigate and prosecute serious corruption, organised crime, complex commercial and financial offences, and crimes involving the abuse of public power.
ActionSA argues that consolidating these responsibilities within one institution would strengthen the country’s ability to investigate complex criminal networks.
The proposals would require legislative approval before any restructuring could take effect.
Greater independence proposed for IDAC
The Bills include measures intended to strengthen the independence of IDAC’s leadership.
Under the proposed framework, the head of IDAC would serve a single, non-renewable 10-year term.
ActionSA proposes that removing the head of the institution would require an independent tribunal process, a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and confirmation by the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The party argues that these safeguards would reduce the risk of political interference in investigations involving senior public officials or politically connected individuals.
The proposals also provide for an independent oversight and accountability committee chaired by a retired judge.
The committee would monitor institutional performance and investigate administrative concerns without directing individual criminal investigations.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate would retain responsibility for investigating allegations of serious misconduct or criminal conduct involving IDAC investigators.
Funding protections form part of reforms
ActionSA also proposes changes to how IDAC receives and manages public funding.
Under the proposed legislation, IDAC’s allocation would be separately identified in the national budget.
The party wants to prevent reductions to the institution’s funding during a financial year unless authorised through an Act of Parliament.
ActionSA argues that predictable funding is necessary for long-term investigations involving complex financial transactions, organised criminal networks and corruption.
The proposals form part of the party’s broader anti-corruption legislative programme, which also addresses whistleblower protection, corruption penalties and restrictions on suppliers implicated in procurement misconduct.
Proposals follow police corruption allegations
ActionSA linked the announcement to allegations examined by the Madlanga Commission and Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The inquiries have examined allegations concerning criminal networks, political interference and misconduct within law enforcement structures.
The allegations remain subject to the respective investigative and parliamentary processes.
ActionSA maintains that the disclosures demonstrate the need for stronger institutional safeguards and a more coordinated approach to serious corruption investigations.
IDAC already operates as permanent NPA institution
IDAC became a permanent institution within the NPA in August 2024 following amendments to the National Prosecuting Authority Act.
The legislation provided for a permanent prosecution-led investigative structure with powers to pursue complex corruption and related offences.
ActionSA’s latest proposals would go further by substantially expanding IDAC’s mandate and transferring the Hawks’ responsibilities to the institution.
The proposed changes would represent a significant restructuring of South Africa’s criminal justice system if adopted.
Public submissions invited
ActionSA has invited members of the public to comment on both proposed Bills before 22 November 2026.
The proposals concern amendments to the South African Police Service Act and the National Prosecuting Authority Act.
The party has made the proposed legislation available through its website.
The next stage will depend on the parliamentary legislative process, including consideration of the proposed amendments and their implications for existing law enforcement institutions.
For now, the Hawks and IDAC retain their existing statutory mandates.
