Madlanga Commission | Johnson criticised over Crime Intelligence probe

Embattled Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Head, Senior Advocate Andrea Johnson, has come under sharp criticism at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry over her decision to authorise an investigation into a group of Crime Intelligence officials.

Johnson spent much of Wednesday’s proceedings answering questions about IDAC’s role in approving the probe.

The commission heard that IDAC received allegations that several Crime Intelligence officials had manipulated procurement processes within the South African Police Service (SAPS), misused state funds and committed other acts of misconduct.

It also heard that public prosecutor, Advocate Tyron Ramsamy, submitted a list of 12 Crime Intelligence officials for investigation, despite National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader and member of Parliament (MP), Fadiel Adams, naming only three officials in his affidavit.

This includes Crime Intelligence head, General Dumisani Khumalo, Crime Intelligence Chief Financial Officer, Major-General Philani Lushaba, and Crime Intelligence Component Head in Intelligence Analysis and Coordination Major-General Nozipho Madondo.

Johnson admitted approving the proposal but struggled to explain why the scope of the investigation was expanded beyond the three officials named by Adams.

Johnson conceded that the investigation was initiated on the basis of Adams’ allegations, saying they appeared credible at the time and were considered sufficient to justify a preliminary investigation.

However, the commission heard that although Adams made serious allegations, he declined to identify the source of his information.

Commission chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, questioned whether it was reasonable for IDAC to rely on unverified allegations without further corroboration.

Johnson also struggled to clearly explain the role of IDAC senior investigator, Suneel Bellochun, in the matter.

On Monday, Johnson told the commission that Bellochun was among the officials who arrested Khumalo and said the Crime Intelligence boss had thanked him for treating him with dignity and respect during the operation.

However, when asked on Wednesday who formed part of the investigative team, Johnson said Bellochun was involved only in the arrest and was not one of the investigators.

She later listed the officials involved in the preliminary investigators but inadvertently included Bellochun among them.

After commissioners pointed out the contradiction, Johnson acknowledged that she had mentioned Bellochun by mistake.

Meanwhile, Johnson requested that today’s proceedings conclude an hour early, citing the effects of medication she is taking for an illness she has declined to disclose publicly.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao