Loretta Joubert, the alleged victim of an assault involving two senior officers from the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), has publicly expressed her outrage and hope over the evasive tactics employed by one of the suspects, senior investigating officer Dylan Perumal. Joubert claims that during the execution of a search warrant, she endured both physical assault and torture at the hands of Perumal and his colleague Suneel Bellochun on November 29, 2018.
The incident has raised pressing concerns as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) intensifies its investigation into the harrowing events. Joubert stated that more than eight years have passed since her gruesome torture, and she is relieved to hear that IPID is doing something and that justice will finally be served. She believes the time has come for the officers to pay for all the wrong they have done to her.
According to media reports, Perumal is believed to be fleeing from law enforcement, and recent reports indicate that investigators are on the brink of obtaining an arrest warrant for him. Sources claim that he has checked himself into a psychiatric hospital to avoid accountability and interaction with IPID officials. Meanwhile, Bellochun has engaged with investigators during their recent trip to the Eastern Cape.
The IPID is probing four people, including Perumal and Bellochun, over allegations related to incidents that occurred during their tenure in the SAPS. The two senior officers are currently on suspension after being implicated in evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. It's purported that the former IDAC boss, Andrea Johnson, was made aware of the allegations but chose to sweep them under the carpet.
Joubert's recall of events described a harrowing ordeal where she was not only physically assaulted but later taken to the Opera Plaza building in Pretoria, where she was subjected to torture, intimidation, and further mistreatment by both Perumal and Bellochun. In her letter to suspended National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola and Parliament, Joubert previously detailed the profound psychological impact of her experiences.
Joubert reported persistent suicidal thoughts stemming from the trauma she endured, and she has also highlighted the violation of her rights, revealing that she was denied legal representation during a two-day interrogation. With accusations that the officers were abusing their positions as law enforcement officials, Joubert said their sole mandate seemed to be torture and intimidation.
The case has sparked widespread concern, with pressure mounting on authorities to take action. The IPID's efforts to secure warning statements from Perumal and his colleague have been ongoing for two years, and the investigation is expected to continue with the goal of bringing those responsible to justice.
Key points
- IPID probes alleged assault of Loretta Joubert by two senior IDAC officers
- Perumal believed to be fleeing from law enforcement
- Former IDAC boss Andrea Johnson allegedly aware of allegations but took no action
