An asessment of the investigation of corruption cases in the Eastern Cape Buffalo City municipality

Abstract

Corruption has become endemic in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to assess the investigation of corruption cases in the Eastern Cape Province. The province is considered as the poorest and most disadvantaged of the provinces of South Africa. As the country is faced with economic decay, corruption is becoming rife and undermining the efforts to improve service delivery. Eastern Cape community is losing hope for better future as services are not rendered to the society due to corrupt activities. This study was conducted to explore whether the investigative methods used in corruption are effective. The researcher intended to determine if there are any challenges in investigating corruption cases and to ascertain the impact of investigation in the fight against corruption. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews with the members of South African Police Service and Special investigation Unit tasked with investigation of corruption cases. Data was also collaborated with evidence from literature studies in relation to corruption and its investigation. The findings indicated that the process is effective but some gaps and challenges were identified. The researcher concluded that the process of investigating corruption cases needs to be regularly evaluated and changes implemented as circumstances require.