Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, admitted on Thursday that she had not personally reviewed key evidence before recommending charges against Crime Intelligence officers. The concessions came during her testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Johnson withdrew her earlier description of Brigadier Dineo Mokwele’s appointment as a “token” appointment and apologised for the term. She told the commission she had relied on briefings from investigators rather than examining Mokwele’s CV or qualifications herself and accepted that the officer was in fact qualified for the post.
The testimony also raised questions about the timing of IDAC’s investigation. Johnson confirmed that a preparatory inquiry began on 6 December 2024, yet formal authorisation under section 28 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act was only obtained on 30 May 2025. Arrests of Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo and six other officers followed on 26 June 2025.
Commissioners pressed Johnson on whether the scope of the probe had been expanded beyond the original complaint by National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams without sufficient factual links. She conceded that the application should have established such links for each additional person named.
Johnson is expected to return to the commission on Monday to complete her evidence.
