By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy, a State Advocate with Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane.
Ramsamy, who joined the anti-corruption unit in March 2023 while it was still part (NPA), told the commission that former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson misrepresented her role and involvement in the investigations.
The dispute centres on Project Diversion, a matter involving Crime Intelligence investigations and the appointment of former BMW employee Dineo Mokwele to a brigadier position.
Ramsamy said Johnson was in control of the project from its inception.
“Let me make it clear that Advocate Johnson was in charge of Project Diversion and, in particular, the Mokwele matter from the outset,” she testified.
Ramsamy asserts Johnson provided inaccurate information regarding the Mokwele case and her (Ramsamy) involvement.
She states that Johnson personally selected her to participate in this project.
According to Ramsamy, the rationale for her selection was the belief that, as an advocate, she would not raise inquiries.
Ramsamy states that Johnson frequently diverged from established protocols and exhibited an independent approach to tasks.
She further asserts that these deviations from documented procedures were consistent and accompanied by an atmosphere of intimidation. Ramsamy indicates that Johnson was colloquially referred to as “Flip-flop.”
A Rule 3 notice will be issued to Johnson, requiring a response to the new allegations presented by Ramsamy.
The notice gives implicated persons a fair opportunity to respond to allegations, either through a written affidavit or a physical appearance.
Evidence leader Lee Seegels-Ncube said Johnson will have to be asked to respond to the many allegations that Ramsamy makes against her.
“We did not have this information prior to Advocate Johnson giving her evidence. It only became known to us during her evidence. The intention is to serve a Rule 3 notice on Advocate Johnson to address these allegations, and that will be done during the course of today and tomorrow.”
Johnson was also caught on a leaked recording criticizing the commission and its presiding judge as unprofessional.
She told Ramsamy she had been unwell and requested an early adjournment on the day of her testimony.
“I had a panic attack, so for the first time, I’m taking meds for it,” Johnson said, referring to an earlier incident on 13 July when she was hospitalized.
In the recording, Johnson talked about how she did not know about Sections 27 and 28, as asked at the Commission. Johnson called the Commissioners unprofessional for their facial expressions and laughing during the testimony.
Johnson also told Ramsamy to leave the country if she were to be called by the Commission to avoid testifying against her and IDAC.
Johnson further raised concerns about remarks made by retired judge and commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga following her admission that she conceded to applying the wrong legal test in assessing NCC leader Fadiel Adams’ referral.
“Whether we like it or not, they are going to make our names s**t anyway ’cause you just see.
“Remember, he is a judge and for him to make a comment ‘oh this is basic law 101, and I’m surprised you don’t know it with your 30 years’ experience’,” she said.
Ramsamy testified that she delayed coming forward until after former NDPP Shamila Batohi left office, believing “nothing would have been done” against Johnson under her leadership. Her testimony has been postponed to Tuesday, 04 August 2026.