Department profile
ENS

Corporate Investigations

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


ENS

Rankings

About

Provided by ENS

Fraud and corruption pose a very serious risk to your business. Our dedicated forensics team, consisting of forensic lawyers, accountants, investigators, digital forensic experts and specialist fraud prosecutors, is highly skilled in complex, large-scale investigations into white collar crime across Africa and beyond, enabling us to assist you no matter where you do business.

Our multidisciplinary team has an excellent track record in achieving criminal convictions and internal dismissals resulting from forensic investigations and internal disciplinary proceedings. The high confession rate often results in our cases going to plea bargains, which in turn facilitates faster access to justice, as well as far greater recoveries.

With our in-house digital forensic capacity, we specialise in forensic computer imaging and e-discovery techniques. Our highly skilled data analysts and forensic investigators are trained in the latest analytical processes and forensic tools which allow us to easily identify fraud patterns and new trends through reviewing electronic evidence.

In addition, we offer extensive expertise in terms of anti-bribery compliance across Africa and provide a full suite of anti-corruption compliance support, including compliance advice, fact-finding investigations, due diligence screening, risk assessments, remediation and control review, control enhancements, training and monitoring to help you to ensure compliance and prevent corporate crime.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate Investigations - South Africa

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

The ENS corporate investigations team is highly regarded for its ability to handle significant forensic investigations, with particular proficiency in commercial crime investigations and anti-corruption concerns. The team is sought out for its counsel on the development and implementation of anti-bribery and anti-corruption training programmes. It maintains a strong track record for its work on behalf of eminent domestic and international clients, with long-standing experience in assisting financial services players and government entities. The firm remains a frequent choice of counsel to public sector and parastatal bodies to conduct internal audits.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • ENS assisted Universal Corporation, and its Mozambican subsidiary MLT, by conducting investigations into alleged embezzlement committed by MLT's former head of finance between 2016 and 2024.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • ENS has a highly experienced team which uses advanced technology to assist with expediting and improving the quality of the investigation.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
  • ENS offers superior client service, knowledge and experience. Its team is extremely knowledgeable and strategic.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
  • The team of lawyers is very thorough and can do very large investigations in a short amount of time.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
  • ENS offers a multidisciplinary team with excellent services and regular update meetings.

    Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Steven Powell
    Band 1Steven Powell

    Steven Powell

    Steven Powell is a leading lawyer in the field who is often instructed by clients to conduct forensic investigations into allegations of white-collar crime and fraud issues, as well as assisting with anti-corruption compliance. He is based in Cape Town, and his experience includes representing both public and private sector institutions.

    • The primary reason for approaching ENS for our corporate investigation work is due to the reputation and experience of Steven. He is able to provide advice and suggestions to suit our needs.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
    • Steven offers excellent customer service and deliverables.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
    • Steven Powell is extremely knowledgeable within his field of expertise. His experience adds value to our matter.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
    • He has exceptional experience and expertise.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
    • His reputation precedes him and he is extremely thorough.

      Corporate Investigations respondentGlobal
  • Band 1Suad Jacobs
    Band 1Suad Jacobs

    Suad Jacobs

    Suad Jacobs is a high-profile lawyer who possesses comprehensive expertise in the space, spanning issues such as procurement fraud, tender rigging and numerous other financial crimes and irregular practices. She has experience acting for international companies operating in South Africa, as well as public bodies.

Ranked Individuals at ENS (2)

South Africa

Members

Provided by ENS

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