The South African Professional Polygraph Association (SAPPA) has issued a clarification following the recent Labour Court judgment in Poggenpoel and Another v CCMA and Others, explaining that the Court did not reject the use of polygraph evidence. Read SAPPA’s summary of the judgment and its implications for polygraph practitioners, employers and legal professionals.

While the results are generally not accepted as stand-alone evidence, a professionally conducted examination can play an important role in investigations and legal proceedings by supporting other evidence and helping uncover the facts.

A professional polygraph examination is about verifying the truth—not simply detecting lies. By encouraging honesty, clarifying facts, and following a fair, structured process, truth verification helps build trust, resolve uncertainty, and support informed decision-making.