By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) boss, Andrea Johnson, finally testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College after illness forced her to miss last week’s hearing.
Her testimony comes after the Commission heard explosive claims from senior IDAC officials. They have painted a picture of an organisation plagued by internal divisions and punitive culture.
She faces mounting allegations over links to senior SAPS Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan and claims that she leaked details of a criminal complaint to him.
She denies this but the NPA has since expressed concern over the impact of the allegations on IDAC’s credibility and public trust.
Johnson insisted investigations into several senior police officers had begun before she took office at IDAC, and rejected claims that she specifically targeted Crime Intelligence head, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo.
She also dismissed allegation by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that IDAC acted improperly by investigation matters involving underworld kingpins, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe, while the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and Crime Intelligence were already dealing with those cases.
While denying that IDAC investigated Molefe, Johnson maintained the directorate’s only interest was the irregular awarding of the controversial R360 million SAPS healthcare tender to Matlala’s Medicare24 company.
Johnson told the commission that the Khumalo investigation came at a personal cost, revealing that she received a death threat via text message, which she says is now the subject of a criminal investigation.
At the start of proceedings, Johnson’s counsel, Advocate Apla Bodlani, informed the commission that documents relating to the arrests of Khumalo and other Crime Intelligence officials were no longer in her possession, meaning she could not account for them.
Johnson maintained there was nothing irregular about Khumalo’s arrest, saying he was treated with dignity and respect throughout the operation.
She also corroborated earlier evidence by IDAC senior investigator, Colonel Brian Padayachee, that the matter had been referred to the directorate by National Coloured Congress (MCC) leader and member of Parliament (MP), Fadiel Adams.
Johnson further told the commission that she was unaware at the time of Khumalo’s arrest of any link between him and the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), adding that even if she had known, it would not have influenced the decision to arrest him.
Khumalo was arrested on allegations including fraud, corruption, nepotism and the abuse of state resources.
Johnson also declined to respond to allegations that she interfered in a 2018 assault case involving suspended Deputy Crime Intelligence head, Major-General Feron Khan, saying the matter is currently the subject of legal processes.
The NPA is now considering whether Johnson should be prosecuted.
Johnson said the matter is now before the NPA and invoked her constitutional right against self-incrimination.
This means that Johnson, the head of the anti-corruption directorate, is facing potential prosecution or other action over the same type of allegations and complaints that the directorate investigates.
Even if the NPA decides not to prosecute her, the scandal has already raised several questions about her actions and integrity.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating accusations including that a drug cartel has infiltrated law enforcement, politics and private security.
Furthermore, a CV she submitted late last year details her rise to leadership while tying her directly to the unfolding scandal.
It refers to a previously torpedoed investigative unit, work meetings that involved, among others, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) controversial Crime Intelligence unit, and an individual who was recently arrested.
Meanwhile, IDAC’s Oversight Judge’s Office confirmed it had recieved complaints against Johnson.
The office said the complaints are being processed in accordance with its statutory mandate and applicable legal framework.
It stressed that receiving a complaint does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing or evidence of misconduct, adding that each complaint is assessed independently, objectively and in line with the principles of procedural fairness. Johnson is expected to continue testifying on Wednesday.