Ramsamy tells Madlanga Commission Johnson ran ‘orchestrated attack’ on top police

Prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy accused her former boss, Advocate Andrea Johnson, of orchestrating a coordinated campaign against senior police leaders and misleading the Madlanga Commission, according to IOL.

Allegations of a coordinated campaign

According to IOL, Ramsamy told the Madlanga Commission that Johnson masterminded what she described as an “orchestrated attack” on National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola and Crime Intelligence chief Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo by using the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption’s investigative powers.

According to IOL, Ramsamy said Johnson drove cases she believed fell outside IDAC’s legal mandate and that Johnson had acknowledged during her testimony that some matters were outside the directorate’s official remit. IOL reports Johnson said others were responsible for explaining why those cases proceeded.

Claims of misleading the commission and shifting blame

According to IOL, Ramsamy accused Johnson of misleading the Madlanga Commission, concealing key facts and attempting to shift responsibility for controversial investigations onto her.

Ramsamy told the commission she had repeatedly warned Johnson about legal and factual weaknesses in several investigations and that Johnson nevertheless instructed her to proceed with certain matters after complaints were lodged.

Specific allegations listed by Ramsamy

According to IOL, Ramsamy made a series of specific accusations against Johnson, including that Johnson:

• lied about not being in charge of Project Diversion;
• presented a different version of MP Fadiel Adams’ Section 27 affidavit to the commission than the original document;
• falsely claimed that IDAC did not have or use standard operating procedures; and
• misrepresented Ramsamy’s role in key decisions and attempted to use her as a scapegoat.

Recordings and documentary evidence

According to IOL, Ramsamy submitted a recording of a telephone conversation with Johnson dated July 22. In the recording, Johnson can allegedly be heard saying:

“We have to figure out a way for you not to go there,”

and allegedly warning that, if Ramsamy testified,

“it is going to be a sh*t show.”

According to IOL, Ramsamy also told the commission she was instructed by Johnson to prepare official documents that did not comply with IDAC’s standard operating procedures, including an urgent authorisation under Section 28(13) for approval on December 6, 2024.

Ramsamy further disputed Johnson’s account about a letter requesting four police dockets from Maj-Gen Mbuso Khumalo, saying WhatsApp messages from December 2024 showed Johnson later instructed her to shred the letter, according to IOL.

Next steps at the commission

According to IOL, Ramsamy is expected to return to the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday.