Ramaphosa accepts IDAC head Andrea Johnson’s resignation

Andrea Johnson

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the immediate resignation of Advocate Andrea Johnson as head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), days after her appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry came under intense scrutiny.

The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had accepted Johnson’s resignation with immediate effect, bringing an end to her tenure leading one of South Africa’s key anti-corruption bodies.

Johnson’s resignation follows three days of testimony before the commission, where she was questioned extensively about IDAC’s handling of several high-profile investigations, particularly those involving the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence division.

During her testimony, Johnson made a number of concessions, contradicted aspects of earlier evidence and withdrew some allegations.

One of the most notable moments came when she apologised and retracted her claim that Brigadier Dineo Mokwele had been a “token appointment” who lacked the necessary qualifications. Evidence presented to the commission showed Mokwele held multiple qualifications, including a degree in industrial engineering and mechatronics.

Her testimony also renewed scrutiny over allegations that she failed to recuse herself from a recruitment process involving her husband, a SAPS Crime Intelligence brigadier, raising concerns over a potential conflict of interest.

Critics further accused IDAC of using criminal prosecutions to deal with what should have been internal police labour disputes, while allegations were also made that Johnson had misled Parliament during an appearance before an ad hoc committee.

At one stage during the hearings, Johnson invoked her constitutional right against self-incrimination when questioned about intelligence-related matters.

In her resignation letter to the National Director of Public Prosecutions and the Presidency, Johnson said she wanted to be released from her duties immediately.

She wrote that the past five months had been marked by “unprecedented attacks on her integrity, character and professional ability.”

Johnson served the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for more than 26 years and previously held several senior positions, including Acting Special Director of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit. She also formed part of the prosecution teams in high-profile cases, including the Oscar Pistorius murder trial and the corruption trial of former National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi.

Ramaphosa appointed Johnson to head IDAC in February 2022 with the mandate of strengthening South Africa’s fight against corruption and state capture.

Her departure leaves uncertainty over the future leadership of the specialised anti-corruption unit as the Madlanga Commission continues its work.

Johnson is expected to return to the commission to answer further questions on outstanding issues.

Picture: X/@Abramjee

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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