NPA launches six-month ‘reset’ of IDAC as Masemola prosecution is reviewed

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has opened a six-month reset programme for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and confirmed that the criminal charges against suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola are being reviewed.

Reset programme to audit cases and review capacity

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and NPA head Advocate Andy Mothibi announced the reset programme on Thursday. According to their statement, the initiative will audit IDAC’s cases, review its human resources and assess its financial management over a six-month period as part of efforts to address failures and challenges within the directorate.

Resignation and scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission

The announcement follows the resignation last week of former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson and weeks of scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The commission had questioned IDAC decisions, including why Masemola was joined in a prosecution with others accused over a R360 million SAPS contract linked to Medicare24.

Masemola’s prosecution explicitly included in review

Mothibi confirmed that General Masemola’s matter is included within the scope of the matters under review. He placed the review alongside recent actions by the NPA, noting earlier reviews had led to provisional withdrawals in other matters.

“I can confirm that General Masemola’s matter is included within the scope of the matters under review.”

The article notes that Masemola first appeared alone in court on 21 April 2026 and later appeared with other accused in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 13 May 2026 over the controversial R360 million SAPS contract awarded to Medicare24. Unlike those accused of fraud and corruption, Masemola faces four counts of allegedly contravening Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act and has not been charged with fraud or corruption.

Concerns about joining disparate charges

At the Madlanga Commission, chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged why Masemola had been placed in the same case as defendants facing fraud and corruption charges, saying the decision created the impression he was involved in the same alleged crimes. Johnson agreed that Masemola should not have been joined with the others but was unable to explain why the prosecution combined the cases.

Madlanga: “So, this was done, I suggest to you, to embarrass him, to taint him and to make him look as though he, too, had committed fraud and corruption. That was calculated, I suggest to you.”

Johnson: “I accept that this matter should be separated, but at no stage was there an intention to embarrass.”

Staff protection, suspensions and vetting for acting head

Mothibi addressed concerns about possible intimidation of IDAC staff, saying employee support programmes, protection and security measures will be available and that reporting channels will be used to address intimidation. He also said an accountability programme has already resulted in some suspensions.

“The issues of intimidation are matters we are fully aware of. As we met with staff, we made it clear that employee support programmes will be available. We are also focused on matters of protection and security.”

Kubayi said her department is seeking external candidates to temporarily lead IDAC and that appointing an acting head is a priority. She said the Act allows the minister, on the recommendation of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, to appoint an acting head and that she has requested vetting. Kubayi said she was uncomfortable appointing anyone who served directly under Johnson within IDAC and indicated the option of appointing someone from outside IDAC but within the NPA.

“We want to make sure the vetting is done properly, just to ensure that the same problems do not arise again.”

Kubayi said the acting head of IDAC is expected to be announced next week.

What the NPA has done so far

The report notes that Mothibi previously concluded reviews that led to provisional withdrawals of charges against other senior officers. He said those matters were withdrawn because an investigation was ongoing and a complete evidentiary record was not available to proceed. He added that such matters may not be re-enrolled without his express written approval.

“‘Provisional’ simply means that where there are still outstanding matters, we will ensure they are finalised through the proper legal process before reporting back to the public on the outcome.”

The NPA’s six-month reset programme, the review of Masemola’s prosecution and the search for an acting IDAC head mark a concerted response by the justice system to the problems exposed at the commission and within the directorate.