South Africa's anti-corruption chief under scrutiny: Accused of arrests and other abuses

Report - Ahmed Salem:

Andrea Johnson, the former head of South Africa’s anti-corruption body (IDAC), said that remaining in her position would embroil the public prosecutor’s office and the presidency in an unnecessary investigation into her eligibility for the post, especially as she faces increasing accusations before the Madalanga Commission.

Andrea Johnson, the head of the Independent Directorate for Combating Corruption (IDAC), resigned, submitting her resignation letter, which was accepted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, to avoid what was described as a “costly and time-consuming” investigation into her suitability for the position.

In her letter to National Prosecuting Authority Chief Andy Mothebi and Ramaphosa, Johnson said: “The allegations against me still need to be proven, but that will again require a commission and costly and time-consuming procedures.”.

The former manager appears before Madlanga

During her first appearance before the Madalanga Commission, the judicial inquiry into crimes, political interference and corruption in the South African criminal justice system, Johnson asked for permission to decline to answer some questions.

These questions relate to an allegation that she sent a case file to the deputy head of the Criminal Intelligence Department, Feroz Khan, concerning an assault in which he was a suspect, and the case is still pending in court.

Johnson said she did not want to drag either the prosecution or the presidency into any legal challenges, adding that she wanted to withdraw with as little disruption as possible, but she requested to be exempted from the three-month notice period.

Although she has applied for retirement, she stated that this may be the subject of a legal dispute concerning her eligibility and pension, which may involve the National Prosecution, the Ministry of Justice, and the Presidency.

She wrote: “This is a difficult request given the absolute love and commitment I have for the position of Director of Investigations at IDAC.

Accusation of unlawful arrest of a prominent figure

Johnson made concessions at the Madlanga Commission regarding the controversial arrest of the head of the Criminal Intelligence Department, Dumisani Khumalo.

Under intense questioning, she admitted that the complaint filed under Article 27 by National Coloured Congress founder Fadel Adams did not contain sufficient evidence to justify the subsequent arrests of Khumalo and 12 other members of the Criminal Intelligence Service in June 2025.

Johnson also admitted to the committee that describing the appointment of Brigadier General Dinyo Mukuweli, whom Khumalo recently appointed as head of technical support services, as a “symbolic appointment” was inappropriate.

Mocking government appointments

She apologized for describing Mukwele as “unsuitable” for the position without having seen her qualifications and experience.

Johnson said: “The country cannot afford another commission,” referring to an inquiry into eligibility to hold office, which was likely to arise from the disastrous performance of the Madalanga Commission.

She wrote: “The National Prosecution Service and the Urban Development Authority should be first and foremost, and I believe that this resignation in the manner proposed will best serve the institutions and the country.”.

She wrote: “This in itself, as well as the attacks that have targeted me, do not sit well with me. I have dedicated thirty years of service to an organization that I love deeply. I cannot be the cause of all this negative attention and the risks to the reputation of both IDAC and the National Prosecuting Authority.”

Ramaphosa accepts Johnson's resignation

The presidential statement read: “The President’s approval comes on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamuluku Kobayi, and with the support of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney Andy Mothebe, to approve Attorney Johnson’s request.”.

Despite Johnson's resignation, she is still obliged to testify before the Madalanga Commission.

The committee also recalled all case files related to the investigation it approved concerning Khumalo and members of the Criminal Intelligence Department.

The committee asked Johnson to respond to allegations of interference in the work of the public prosecutor's office in targeting the head of the task force on political assassinations, after receiving an email from suspended police minister Senzo Muccino.

Johnson was asked to answer for her evidence in her claims that Khumalo misused the Secret Service account.