Formal complaint against IDAC head Andrea Johnson lodged at Legal Practice Council
Civil society organisation Public Interest SA has lodged another formal complaint against the Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Andrea Johnson.
The complaint calls for a disciplinary investigation into her conduct.
The complaint, submitted to the Legal Practice Council, alleges that Johnson gave contradictory testimony before the Madlanga Commission and Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating alleged interference in the justice system.
Public Interest SA chairperson Tebogo Khaas said while Johnson's testimony before the Madlanga Commission has not yet concluded, the organisation believes urgent action is necessary.
Khaas said the organisation acknowledges that the commission's work is ongoing but argues that safeguarding the country's institutions should not be delayed.
"The seriousness of the evidence already before the Commission requires immediate precautionary intervention to protect the integrity of the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system depends on public confidence."
Among the issues raised before the commission was Johnson's admission that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption had solicited a Section 27 complaint from Fadiel Adams, leader of the National Coloured Congress and Member of Parliament.
Khaas said allegations against senior officials responsible for upholding the law must be subjected to the same legal and ethical standards expected of every legal practitioner.
"These issues deserve independent scrutiny through the appropriate legal and disciplinary processes. Public Interest SA believes that the competent authorities should urgently implement appropriate precautionary measures, including the immediate suspension of Advocate Johnson pending the outcome of the relevant investigations and disciplinary proceedings."
The organisation also expressed concern over evidence presented to the Madlanga Commission relating to the prosecution of Brigadier Dineo Mokwele and other senior Crime Intelligence officials.
Those concerns follow testimony in which Commissioner Sandile Khumalo questioned Johnson about Mokwele's curriculum vitae, qualifications and supporting documents during proceedings on Thursday.
Public Interest SA has also requested that the State Security Agency review Johnson's top-secret security clearance.
"Individuals entrusted with access to highly classified information must be beyond reproach. This matter is bigger than any one individual,” said Khaas.
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