Project Diversion under scrutiny as IDAC investigator Mantsha Raphesu testifies at Madlanga Commission

According to IOL, senior Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) investigator Mantsha Raphesu testified at the Madlanga Commission on Friday as the inquiry turned its attention to the controversial “Project Diversion”.

New testimony on a disputed operation

Raphesu, who worked on Project Diversion, is expected to reveal key details about the project at the commission, which the source says was allegedly led by former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson.

Context and mounting scrutiny

According to IOL, Raphesu’s evidence follows weeks of testimony that has exposed alleged procedural failures in several high-profile IDAC cases, intensifying scrutiny of the agency’s handling of sensitive investigations.

Pressure on former IDAC head

Pressure on Andrea Johnson has continued to mount after IDAC prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy handed the commission a phone recording allegedly capturing a conversation involving Johnson. In the recording, Johnson is allegedly heard using profane language while expressing her views about the inquiry, according to IOL.

Ramsamy also alleged that Johnson tried to stop her from testifying before the commission, adding another serious claim to those already facing the former IDAC chief, according to IOL.

Voices from inside IDAC

“Johnson had already scapegoated me in her testimony before the commission. I felt that I needed to record our conversation,” said Drushantha Ramsamy, according to IOL.

The inquiry is ongoing, and Raphesu’s testimony is part of wider hearings examining conduct and procedures within IDAC, according to IOL.