Investigations
Private Investigations
When stock keeps disappearing, a fraud is suspected or an attorney needs facts established, you need an investigation that finds the truth and stands up to scrutiny. Vigilant CQ Security conducts discreet private investigations for businesses, attorneys and individuals, strictly within South African law.
- Strictly lawful methods
- Fraud, theft and misconduct
- Evidence reports for attorneys
- Confidential from first contact
Matters we investigate
- Corporate and employee fraud: false claims, procurement irregularities, ghost suppliers and misuse of company funds
- Theft and stock losses at warehouses, shops and construction sites, often alongside loss control measures
- Workplace misconduct: policy breaches, abuse of sick leave, conflicts of interest and moonlighting
- Fact-finding for attorneys in civil disputes, including locating witnesses and gathering documentary evidence
- Insurance-related enquiries where the facts of a loss need to be established
- Personal matters where an individual needs facts gathered lawfully
Where you need to find a person rather than establish facts, see tracing services.
What we will and will not do
An investigation that breaks the law is worse than no investigation: the evidence may be inadmissible and the client may face liability. We work within South African law, including POPIA, the Protection from Harassment Act and RICA's restrictions on interception of communications.
| We can | We will not |
|---|---|
| Lawful observation in public places | Tap phones or intercept messages |
| Interview witnesses who agree to speak | Hack accounts, email or devices |
| Review records the client is entitled to access | Place tracking devices on people without consent |
| Search public records and open sources | Use pretexting to obtain private records |
| Prepare factual reports for attorneys and employers | Harass, intimidate or follow people in a way the law prohibits |
If a request falls outside the law, we will tell you and decline it.
How an investigation runs
We begin with a confidential consultation to understand the problem, what you already know and what you need the outcome to be: a disciplinary hearing, a civil claim, a criminal complaint or simply clarity. We then agree a scope and plan in writing before work starts.
During the investigation you receive updates at agreed points. At the end you receive a factual written report setting out what was found and how, along with supporting material. We do not decide guilt; that is for the employer, the court or the authorities. Where a crime is uncovered, we can help you prepare to report it to the police.
Working with attorneys and HR
Many investigations feed into legal or disciplinary processes, so we prefer to work alongside your attorney or HR practitioner from the start. That keeps the scope focused on the questions that matter and helps ensure that evidence is gathered and recorded in a way that can be relied on. We do not give legal advice ourselves.
Confidentiality and your information
Investigations involve sensitive information about the client and about the people being investigated. Information is restricted to those working on the matter, stored securely and processed only for the purpose of the investigation, in line with POPIA. For pre-emptive screening of new staff, our background checks service can reduce the need for investigations later.
Options & specifications
| Clients | Businesses, attorneys, HR departments and individuals |
|---|---|
| Matters | Fraud, theft, workplace misconduct, civil fact-finding |
| Methods | Lawful observation, interviews, records and open sources |
| Not offered | Phone tapping, hacking, covert tracking of people without consent |
| Legal framework | POPIA, Protection from Harassment Act, RICA |
| Output | Written factual report with supporting material |
| Scope | Agreed in writing before work starts |
Options, materials and turnaround are confirmed on your written quote.
How ordering works
- 1
Consultation
Tell us the problem confidentially and what outcome you need.
- 2
Scope
We agree the questions, methods and reporting in writing.
- 3
Investigation
We gather facts lawfully and update you at agreed points.
- 4
Report
You receive a factual report to support your next step.
Frequently asked questions
Can you find out who someone is messaging?
No. Intercepting communications or accessing someone's phone, email or social media accounts without authorisation is illegal under RICA and other laws, and we will not do it. We can help establish facts through lawful methods instead.
Will your report stand up at a disciplinary hearing or in court?
We gather and document evidence carefully and lawfully so it can be relied on, and we work with your attorney or HR practitioner where possible. Whether evidence is accepted is ultimately decided by the chairperson or court.
Can you investigate a suspected cheating partner?
We can consider personal matters, but only through lawful means such as observation in public places. We will not track, intercept or harass anyone. We discuss what is lawful and realistic in a confidential consultation.
Does the person being investigated find out?
Investigations are conducted discreetly. However, a person may become aware later, for example if findings lead to a disciplinary process. Their rights under POPIA and other laws still apply.
How long does an investigation take?
It depends on the complexity of the matter and what evidence is available. We agree a scope and update points at the start so you know how the work will progress.
Request a quote for Private Investigations
Related services
Background Checks & Employee ScreeningConsent-based checks of ID, qualifications, references and criminal records for employers, landlords and individuals.View - Tracing ServicesLocating debtors, witnesses, beneficiaries and assets through lawful sources, with written results.View
Undercover Guards & Covert SecurityPlain-clothes officers who observe discreetly, document what they see and help you act on facts.View - Loss Control & Retail Loss PreventionStore detectives, loss control officers and procedure checks that help cut shrinkage and internal theft.View
Need the facts established properly? Book a confidential consultation.
Send your brief, quantities and deadline. We reply with a clear written quote and confirm the turnaround before anything goes to production.