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Bowmans
Department profile | Bowmans
Corporate Investigations

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.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate Investigations - South Africa

1
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.

Work Highlights

Provided by Bowmans

  • Bowmans acted for Richards Bay Minerals on an internal investigation into the theft of its products and procurement fraud carried out by employees.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The team at Bowmans is excellent. It's well resourced with expertise and makes good use of tools.

Corporate Investigations respondent
Global

The team is composed of seasoned and experienced lawyers. They are extremely responsive and always available.

Corporate Investigations respondent
Global

The team of lawyers that support me from Bowmans are subject matter experts, providing pragmatic, best-in-class and value-for-money legal advice.

Corporate Investigations respondent
Global

Bowmans has the best investigators.

Corporate Investigations respondent
Global

The firm is adept at handling multiple workstreams and a variety of issues, focusing on what is most important.

Corporate Investigations respondent
Global

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Johan Kruger
1
Johan Kruger
1
Band 1
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 provides reliable counsel based on deep experience relevant to the topics that matter to us as a client.

Johan is very seasoned, highly regarded and always responsive.

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Joe da Silva
2
Joe da Silva
2
Band 2
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 da Silva is an expert in this space. He is very skilled at gathering information. He provides us with feedback, input and observation even beyond the scope of his work.

He is a strong player in this space with a depth of expertise. He is also well respected.

Joe da Silva is very experienced and provides timely reports.

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David de Villiers
3
David de Villiers
3
Band 3

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 excellent service in complex internal corporate investigations.

David offers impeccable stakeholder engagement.

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Callum O'Connor
U
Callum O'Connor
U
Up and Coming

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. He joined Bowmans in January 2025.

Callum O'Connor is an excellent practitioner and a pleasure to work with. He is responsive, calm and strategic in a crisis.

Callum O'Connor is skilled and experienced.

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Ranked Lawyers at
Bowmans

Provided by Chambers
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Band

South Africa

Corporate Investigations
Johan Kruger
1
Johan Kruger
1
Band 1
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Joe da Silva
2
Joe da Silva
2
Band 2
View Profile
David de Villiers
3
David de Villiers
3
Band 3
View Profile
Callum O'Connor
U
Callum O'Connor
U
Up and Coming
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Members

Provided by Bowmans

David de Villiers

Joe da Silva

Clients

Provided by Bowmans

Altron

Auditor-General of SA

Barloworld

Eurasion Natural Resources (ENRC)

Samsung

South African National Credit Regulator

South African National Treasury

South African Reserve Bank

Standard Bank

State Information Technology Agency

Industries

Provided by Bowmans

Automobiles & Parts

Banking

Charities/ Not for Profit

Commercial & Professional Services

Construction & Materials

Consumer Product Manufacturing

Education

Energy

Financial Services

Food & Drink Producers

Government

Health Care

Mining & Metals

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Real Estate

Retail

Software & Computer Services

Technology, Hardware & Electronics

Telecommunications

Transportation

Travel & Leisure

Utilities