ActionSA MP Dereleen James denies receiving classified documents, slams ‘disgraced’ investigators at Madlanga Commission
ActionSA Member of Parliament Dereleen James has hit back at allegations made against her at the Madlanga Commission, labeling claims that she received classified documents as a “blatant lie.”
In a formal media release issued today, James strongly denied ever receiving sensitive materials at her parliamentary office and called for video evidence to clear her name.
The controversy stems from testimony provided to the Commission by investigators from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
The investigators claimed they had dropped off classified files under the door of James’s parliamentary office.
James firmly rejected this narrative, pointing to the stringent security protocols governing the parliamentary precinct.
“Anyone who has visited my office in Parliament knows that access to my floor is controlled and my office door is monitored by security cameras,” James stated.
“I have no doubt that the CCTV footage will confirm that no such thing ever took place.”
She further requested that the South African Police Service (SAPS)—which oversees parliamentary security—urgently secure and review the relevant CCTV footage to prove that no unauthorized individuals accessed her office.
According to James, the friction began in January 2025 following media reports concerning the controversial purchase of a hotel by Crime Intelligence.
In response to a News24 article, James had publicly called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to launch an official probe into the matter.
James noted that as the lawful oversight body for police misconduct, IPID was the appropriate institution to determine if wrongdoing had occurred.
However, following her call for an investigation, James claims she received an unexpected and suspicious phone call from an individual claiming to be an investigator from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The individual allegedly requested a meeting and pressured her to let IDAC handle the matter instead of IPID.
“I distinctly recall informing my staff afterwards that I was deeply uncomfortable with both the approach and the suggestions made by the IDAC investigator,” James said, adding that the attempt to redirect her parliamentary oversight away from IPID raised immediate “red flags.”
Suspecting that her legitimate oversight efforts were being manipulated, James chose to cut off all further engagements with both the NPA and IDAC.
She stated that she refused to be dragged into a separate, unknown scheme that “did not sit right” with her.
Reflecting on the current allegations being leveled against her at the Madlanga Commission, James suggested the false claims are a retaliatory move by disgruntled individuals.
“Looking back, it now makes more sense why some people became very angry with me for refusing to go along with what I believed was suspect,” she remarked.
James concluded her statement by fiercely criticizing the elements testifying at the commission, accusing them of trying to undermine the broader fight against organized crime.
As a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, James maintained that she remains proud of her ongoing work to clean up law enforcement institutions, emphasizing her commitment to removing those who abuse the criminal justice system to protect criminal interests.
