Johnson invokes right to silence, denies IDAC wrongdoing at Madlanga Commission

Investigation head Advocate Andrea Johnson relied on her constitutional right against self-incrimination when questioned about allegations she shared a criminal docket with Major-General Feroz Khan, and used three sworn statements to deny claims that the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) had been weaponised.

Refusal to answer on alleged docket leak

Johnson appeared at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday and, when pressed about claims that she emailed Khan details of a criminal docket involving him, said:

“I hold the view that the commission’s fact-finding mandate does not override my constitutional protection against self-incrimination under any circumstances.”

She made clear she would not respond to that line of questioning.

Defence through sworn statements

Rather than answer those questions, Johnson presented three sworn statements as part of her defence and dismissed allegations that IDAC had been used to settle scores within the police.

Denials on targeting and mandate

Johnson rejected an allegation by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that the directorate deliberately targeted Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo to frustrate organised-crime investigations.

She also denied that Khumalo was arrested because he led the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), saying:

“I would be remiss if I did not dismiss the suggestion that Lt-Gen Khumalo was arrested because he was the coordinator of the PKTT. This suggestion is anything but true. It is as false as it is unfortunate.”

Johnson told the commission her office did not know Khumalo was heading the task team when it investigated the corruption case against him, and argued that the investigation could not have been intended to derail the unit’s work.

Other details and next appearance

Johnson acknowledged attending Khan’s 50th birthday celebration with her husband several years ago, according to her testimony reported at the commission.

Her testimony at the Madlanga Commission was scheduled to continue on Wednesday at 9:30am.