Leadership
Mr Zaakir Mohamed
Chairperson
Zaakir is a Partner in EY’s Forensic & Integrity Services practice, focusing on fraud & corruption investigations, fraud risk management and anti-bribery and corruption compliance. Zaakir has over 17 years’ experience in this field. He has managed investigations in both the public and private sectors across a broad range of industries. He has extensive experience in corporate crime and forensic investigations, Anti-bribery and Corruption compliance, cybercrime, corporate crime prevention and detection, money laundering, regulatory compliance, data privacy and protection as well as assistance with data breaches and cybercrime.
Zaakir has presented at several conferences and seminars on topics ranging from fraud risk management, anti-bribery and corruption, data privacy, cybersecurity and investigations. He has also published several articles in relation to these topics.
Mr Caleb Motsamai
Deputy Chairperson
Caleb Motsamai is a Partner at PwC Consulting & Risk Services: Forensics Department.
His professional experience includes handling matters related to Fraud, corruption and other financial crimes both locally and internationally. Caleb was first exposed to forensic investigations during his tenure as a SAICA trainee accountant at the Auditor General. He holds a B.Com (Hons) in Accounting and also completed an Executive Leadership Development Program at the University of Stellenbosh.
BOARD MEMBERS
Mr Lerato Msibi
With a formal background in accounting and auditing, paired with forensic investigations and fraud risk management experience, Mr. Lerato Msibi is a highly accomplished professional. Alongside his impressive affiliations with various professional bodies, Lerato holds prestigious titles such as a Commercial Forensic Practitioner FP (SA), a Chartered Accountant, and a Certified Fraud Examiner.
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Lerato’s exceptional achievements have garnered significant recognition. In 2019, he was named a finalist in the SAICA Top 35, under 35 competition. This esteemed competition honours and celebrates young CA(SA) professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and trailblazing abilities. Prior to June 2012, Lerato diligently completed his accounting articles and gained invaluable experience across both the public and private sectors.
With extensive experience spanning over 11 years in the field of forensic investigations and fraud risk management, Lerato has conducted numerous successful engagements across various countries. These include South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Lesotho, Cote d’Ivoire, and Benin, establishing himself as a trusted expert in the international arena.
Ms Mary-Anne Whittles
Mary-Anne is currently a Director at Pro Iustitia Forensics with more than 24 years’ of experience in forensic investigations. She spent 16 years at the Special Investigating Unit, where her last post held was that of Programme Manager. She has extensive experience in both public and private sector commercial forensic investigations and regulatory frameworks, people development within the investigative sector and management of projects. She has obtained qualifications in law, project management, and public administration and is a PECB certified ISO 37001 Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor, respectively.
Mr Adriaan Beekman
Riaan Beekman is a CA (SA) and is a Specialist Investigator at Nedbank. Riaan has extensive experience in the investigation of financial crime, ethics and fraud risk management. He was the Forensic Audit Manager at Impala Platinum from 2012 to 2017, before joining Nedbank. His career in commercial forensics started in 2001 when he joined KPMG as an Associate Director in the Forensics Department.
Ms Tholakele Ndlazulwana
Ms Tholakele Ndlazulwana is a dynamic Business Leader at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), with a robust career spanning over 19 years. She is a Chartered Accountant and Forensic Practitioner with extensive expertise in auditing, fraud investigations, and dispute services.
Ms Ndlazulwana joined AGSA in 2020 as a Senior Manager in the Investigations Business Unit (IBU), where she has played a key role in driving innovative initiatives within the organisation. She spearheaded the pioneering COVID-19 proactive audits and championed the development of a fraud risk identification model, aimed at strengthening the organisation’s control environment.
Her leadership in these groundbreaking initiatives reflects her innovative approach, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and impactful governance.
Mr Albert van Zyl
Albert holds a BCom (Law), LLB, and LLM degree from the University of the Free State, along with a Certificate in Money Laundering Control from the University of Johannesburg. He began his professional journey as an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, specializing in civil litigation in the High Court. Subsequently, he joined one of the renowned ‘big four’ auditing firms, where he worked as a forensic investigator.
In 2006, Albert transitioned to the academic sphere and joined the School of Accounting Sciences at the North-West University as a Senior Lecturer within the Programme for Forensic Accountancy.
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His dedication and expertise led to his appointment as the Programme Leader in July 2012. In January 2021, he expanded his academic endeavours by joining the North-West University’s Business School, focusing on areas such as corporate governance, anti-corruption measures, and integrity studies.
While actively contributing to academia, Albert continues to practice as a commercial forensic practitioner on a part-time basis, both in South Africa and several other African countries. His extensive experience also includes serving on various audit committees in the public and private sectors, as well as being seconded to a national commission of enquiry. Albert takes great pride in being a full member and past company secretary of the Institute for Commercial Forensic Practitioners since October 2012, where he serves as a board member.
With his diverse background encompassing academia, professional practice, and active involvement in the Institute for Commercial Forensic Practitioners, Albert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the fields of forensic investigation, corporate governance, and anti-corruption efforts.
Adv Jacqueline Fick (Jacky)
Adv Jacqueline Fick (Jacky) is the CEO of VizStrat Solutions, a company specializing in advisory and training services related to cyber, risk, law, and investigations. Jacky has held senior positions in government and the private sector, including as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Executive Head of Forensic Services at Cell C. She has extensive experience in the investigation and prosecution of serious and complex commercial crimes, including cybercrime prosecutions.
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Jacky has played an active role in contributing to the drafting and amendments of South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act, and has assisted the South African Police Services with various cybercrime-related initiatives. She has also been contracted by local and international organizations to provide training and other assistance to prosecutors and law enforcement agencies.
Ms Wilmari Janse van Rensburg
Ms Wilmari Janse van Rensburg is an associate partner at Abacus Financial Crime Advisor.
A firm specialising in objective fact-finding and evidence collation missions and engagements.
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With a strong focus on uncovering relevant and applicable facts, as well as identifying and collating appropriate evidential material, she recognises the critical role that thorough investigations play in resolving disputes. Through a unique combination of knowledge, skill, and in-depth industry-specific expertise, Ms Janse van Rensburg contributes to delivering tailored, result-orientated solutions for every engagement.
Her work reflects a commitment to objective investigation, comprehensive evidence gathering, and the development of practical solutions informed by the facts.
Ms Aletta van Tromp
Aletta is a dynamic CA(SA) with over 16 years of working experience. She completed her accounting and auditing clerkship with one of the Big Four Accounting firms in Johannesburg from 2004 to 2006 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2007. She is an affiliated member of the ACFE and a full member of the ICFP.
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Currently, she is the Business Executive for Investigations at the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and is responsible for overseeing the operational functions of the business unit, which entails strategic direction of the unit, budget/ finances, human resources, corporate reporting etc. as well as overseeing all investigations and deliverables. She has led various forensic assignments in a variety of sectors and in different jurisdictions. Her fraud and investigation experience includes investigations into tender irregularities, fraudulent financial accounting, misappropriation of company funds and assets, procurement fraud, payroll fraud, cash, cheque and EFT fraud, timesheet fraud, travel claim and disbursement fraud and misappropriation of donor funding. Aletta has been appointed as both inspector and repayment administrator by the South African Reserve Bank to investigate alleged Ponzi schemes. Her litigation support experience includes quantification of damages and loss of profit claims and preparing expert determination reports.
Mr Lance Poon
Mr Lance Poon is a Director at BDO South Africa and specialises in Forensic Services.
With over twenty years of experience in the forensic industry, he brings extensive expertise in IT and digital forensics, forensic data analytics, and eDiscovery.
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His role focuses on addressing critical and complex challenges for clients through innovative digital solutions and a strong commitment to integrity. Backed by a solid foundation in leadership and forensic technology, Mr Poon collaborates with teams to deliver tailored services that meet complex investigative needs.
His mission is to assist organisations in navigating intricate forensic and digital challenges with precision, professionalism, and innovative solutions.
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Mr Pieter Alberts
Pieter Alberts is the Acting Executive Manager of the Shared Forensic Capability Division at the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). He leads initiatives to support the investigation of complex, high-impact financial crimes, providing critical evidence for court proceedings and supporting law enforcement in addressing serious financial crime cases. With over 20 years of experience.
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Pieter has held senior roles within the FIC’s Monitoring and Analysis Division and has worked for more than 20 years in the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) – Commercial Crime Unit, as well as Deloitte’s Forensic Services. He holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Accountancy and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Certified Financial Crime Specialist – (CFCS) and Forensic
Ex Officio
Mr Chris de Beer
Chief Executive Officer
Chris is the CEO of the ICFP and is responsible for operational issues and the implementation of strategic initiatives. Prior to joining the ICFP, Chris participated and managed various forensic engagements for private and public institutions as an independent service provider.
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Chis started his career in banking and holds a BCom from Unisa. Chris was responsible for the establishment and management of internal audit, enterprise-wide risk, forensic investigations, fraud risk and IT audits. Chris was also a member of the Executive Committee of the bank and an advisor to other management committees.
Adv Janita Snell
Company Secretary
Janita holds an LLB from UNISA, a Diploma in Criminal Justice and Forensic Auditing from the University of Johannesburg and a Programme in Forensic and Investigative Auditing from UNISA. She is an admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.
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Before joining the IDC in August 2014, as Forensic Practitioner, Janita worked at Investec Bank for 13 years. Her responsibilities included investigations, developing and training on Financial Crime policies, as well as driving awareness initiatives.