The head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Andrea Johnson, has taken the spotlight in Parliament, a day after acting police minister Firoz Cachalia testified before the ad hoc committee probing state corruption.
Johnson’s appearance follows a week of explosive allegations at the Madlanga Commission, where her name surfaced during Dumisani Khumalo’s testimony on police infiltration by organised crime networks.
Johnson, who has led IDAC since 2022, has been at the centre of South Africa’s anti-corruption drive. Her testimony on Thursday provided a rare look inside the mechanics of the state’s most sensitive investigations, including those targeting police generals and senior officials accused of protecting criminal cartels.
In her opening statement, Johnson told MPs that her directorate “is not in the business of politics” and works strictly within its legal mandate.
“Our job is to follow the evidence,” she said.
“If it points to a minister, a police general, or a businessman — so be it. But we will not be used to settle scores.”
Responding to questions about Lieutenant General Khumalo’s arrest and alleged corruption within the “Big Five” syndicate, Johnson clarified that IDAC was not currently investigating all of the cases circulating publicly.
“For purposes of completeness, IDAC is not aware of the cases that were made by Mr Matlala or others — be they about theft, ballistics, or any other matter against PKTT members. Those are not allegations we are looking at,” she told the committee.
She also addressed speculation about her personal ties to Crime Intelligence.
Johnson’s husband is a senior member of that division, a fact that has fuelled rumours of conflict of interest. Asked if she ever shared sensitive information with him, Johnson was unequivocal:
“Absolutely not. I hold my oath of office and integrity very seriously. Pillow talk gets people killed. That’s something we’ve never done,” she said, drawing murmurs in the chamber.
Johnson’s firm stance appeared to win over many MPs, though some opposition members pressed her on what they called “double standards” in how corruption cases are prioritised.
She countered that IDAC’s decisions are based on evidence and prosecutorial merit, not “media noise or political pressure.”
The veteran prosecutor also spoke candidly about the challenges facing investigators.
“We have limited resources, a shrinking budget, and a demand for results yesterday,” she said.
“But we will not rush cases just to look busy. Accountability takes time.”
Johnson’s appearance came after Cachalia’s testimony the previous day, during which he confirmed that his ministry was aware of “unusual relationships” between senior police figures and suspected underworld operators.
Johnson was still testifying before the ad-hoc committee when this article was published.
