Department profile
Bowmans

Corporate Investigations

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa

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Bowmans

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About

Provided by Bowmans

We represent both private and public sector clients, undertaking specialist forensic investigations; providing governance, corruption and regulatory compliance advice; and completing risk management reviews.

We act for clients in investigations and proceedings by criminal and regulatory agencies and have been involved in several high profile and public interest cases. 

Our service extends to identifying specific governance and/ or compliance risks that resulted in prejudice and/ or losses, and making recommendations to mitigate these.

All of our engagements are led by lawyers, who are able to compile teams of specialists as per the requirements of specific assignments. These include initiating and defending civil proceedings; initiating disciplinary enquiries and criminal investigations; and taking remedial steps to address the risk of corporate criminal liability.

Our clients enjoy the protection of legal-professional privilege (while teams led by accountants or non-legal firms do not). Our reports, advice and attorney-client correspondence are therefore protected against subpoena or forced disclosure to third parties.

Our reach is particularly significant where our clients are affected by anti-corruption legislation with extra-territorial application (eg: the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act and the South African Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act) and by international conventions with wide application.

Clients (10)

  • Auditor-General of SA
  • State Information Technology Agency
  • Barloworld
  • Samsung
  • Eurasion Natural Resources (ENRC)
  • Altron
  • Standard Bank
  • South African National Credit Regulator
  • South African National Treasury
  • South African Reserve Bank

Industries (22)

  • Banking
  • Construction & Materials
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Mining & Metals
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Software & Computer Services
  • Technology, Hardware & Electronics
  • Transportation
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Utilities
  • Charities/ Not for Profit
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Telecommunications
  • Automobiles & Parts

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate Investigations - South Africa

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Bowmans houses a distinguished practice with expertise across a wide range of corporate investigations. The team possesses considerable experience in assisting domestic and international clients in the automotive, natural resources and financial services sectors. It is well recognised for its work representing both private and public sector players, with renowned abilities in forensic reporting, regulatory issues, asset tracing, and anti-fraud and anti-corruption matters. The firm is heavily involved in the ongoing state capture investigations being conducted in South Africa, leading reviews and investigations relating to high-profile state-owned entities. The group is experienced in handling mandates involving multiple jurisdictions across Africa and further afield.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bowmans assisted a local municipality in the Limpopo province with an investigation into alleged maladministration and fraud undertaken officials.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The law firm has a strong and knowledgeable team that provides accurate and timely advice on sensitive matters.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

  • Bowmans has an extremely knowledgeable, experienced and senior team.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

  • Bowmans is proactive in finding solutions and advises in a very frank manner.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

  • The firm stands out for its attention to detail and the accessibility and availability of the key and senior team members.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

  • Bowmans is able to tackle different scopes of work. It has a very well-balanced team with experience in different disciplines.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Joe da Silva
    Joe da Silva

    Joe da Silva

    Joe da Silva is a notable name in the field, with an extensive record of conducting investigations into irregular practices and maladministration, in addition to fraud matters. He is regularly engaged by industry heavyweights in the natural resources sector, as well as municipalities and other governmental bodies.

    • Joe is very good to work with and has excellent knowledge of the subject.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

    • He is a diligent lawyer.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

    • Joe da Silva is a very strong character, with a lot of experience, good leadership skills and the ability to communicate.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
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  • Johan Kruger
    Johan Kruger

    Johan Kruger

    Head of practice Johan Kruger is held in high regard for his counsel on high-profile fraud, corruption and mismanagement investigations in the public and private sectors, in addition to governance failures.

    • Johan Kruger's years of proven experience and practical knowledge provide an invaluable insight and added value.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
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  • Callum O'Connor
    Callum O'Connor

    Callum O'Connor

    Callum O'Connor operates a contentious practice that encompasses advising clients on investigations and white-collar crime, in addition to handling broader commercial work. He has notable experience of cases relating to corruption, bribery and money laundering.

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  • David de Villiers
    David de Villiers

    David de Villiers

    David de Villiers's experience in advising on allegations of fraud, corruption, collusion and financial irregularities attracts significant clients from both the public and private sectors. He demonstrates further skill in relation to state capture investigations.

    • David de Villiers provides fantastic services to clients.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
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  • Gerhard Rudolph
    Gerhard Rudolph

    Gerhard Rudolph

    Gerhard Rudolph is recognised for his expertise in advising on investigations into corporate misconduct and money laundering. He handles matters across both the public and private sectors, and has further experience in cases linked to state capture.

    • Gerhard Rudolph has a quick grasp on essential issues and is competent across a wide range of disciplines.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Bowmans (5)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Bowmans

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