Johnson admits close personal ties to Feroz Khan as Madlanga Commission probes docket claims

Former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson has acknowledged a closer, personal relationship with General Feroz Khan as she concluded her testimony at the Madlanga Commission. The commission is probing allegations that she shared details from a police docket while Khan was under criminal investigation.

What the commission is examining

The controversy centres on a common assault and intimidation case opened by former Crime Intelligence officer Brigadier Leonora Phetlhe, who accused Khan of assaulting her in June 2018. Evidence before the commission alleged that Johnson sent Khan details from the police docket before he submitted a warning statement to investigators.

Those allegations prompted the Hawks to open an investigation into Johnson for possible interference with the administration of justice and obstruction of justice. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) later declined to prosecute Khan in December 2021. Evidence heard by the commission also revealed that a prosecutor had been assigned to consider whether Johnson herself should face criminal charges; Johnson declined to answer questions about that process, invoking her constitutional right against self-incrimination.

Personal messages and VIP access

Commissioners focused on a series of personal text messages between Johnson and Khan. The exchanges included affectionate language the pair referred to each other as “gorgeous“, “dearest” and expressed that they missed one another and messages in which Khan invited Johnson and her children to dinner and sought her help after claiming the Hawks were plotting against him.

Co-Commissioner Sandile Khumalo said the messages painted a picture that differed significantly from Johnson’s earlier description of their relationship. Evidence leader Mahlape Sello argued the correspondence showed an unusually close relationship.

Commissioners also examined an instance where Khan entered IDAC through a VIP entrance and proceeded directly to Johnson’s office instead of following normal visitor procedures. Johnson confirmed the visit but said the matter was unrelated to the Hawks.

“It turned out it didn’t have anything to do with the Hawks. But he had an issue with somebody plotting against him. It did turn out it wasn’t the Hawks. I want to make that clear,”

When Khumalo described the meeting as a personal visit rather than an official one, Johnson responded, “I accept that, Chair.”

Admission of a personal relationship

Under intense questioning, Johnson accepted the characterization that her relationship with Khan had been personal. The commission heard that the texts included exchanges in which the pair used affectionate terms and discussed arranging meetings, and those exchanges drew sharp criticism from commissioners.

Next steps at the commission

Johnson concluded her testimony after several days before the Madlanga Commission, which continues to probe allegations surrounding her leadership of IDAC and the handling of sensitive information in the Khan matter.