IDAC oversight office says received several complaints against Andrea Johnson
Newly appointed Independent Directorate Against Corruption Oversight Judge, retired judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga, says they have already received numerous complaints against IDAC head, Andrea Johnson.
She faces allegations, in her then capacity as a senior public prosecutor, of allegedly shielding suspended crime intelligence deputy boss Feroz Khan in an assault and intimidation case opened against him.
Raulinga says every complaint will be considered fairly, with due regard to the rights of both the complainant and the subject of the complaint.
“No one person has the power to collapse a big institution such as IDAC. I believe there will be processes which will be followed. I don't know what the outcome will be, and that IDAC itself will remain strong, and it can only remain strong with the support of everybody.”
Raulinga said the office was established to strengthen accountability within the justice system while maintaining its independence from investigative and prosecutorial structures.
“The office exists as a practical expression of constitutional principles of checks and balances. At the same time, institutional independence should not be confused with institutional isolation.
“The relationship between the Office of the IDAC Oversight Judge and the other oversight bodies should be understood as one of complementary constitutional roles rather than hierarchical oversight. Each institution contributes towards strengthening accountability and the rule of law.”
Raulinga clarified that the office does not replace the investigative powers of the SAPS or the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and will not deal with intelligence matters that fall under the Inspector-General of Intelligence.
He said the office will receive complaints from internal and external parties, including whistleblowers, whose identities and safety will be protected in terms of the law.
The office is currently finalising its internal structures, with arrangements underway for a secure complaint submission system.
Raulinga confirmed that the office will report to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and remain accountable to Parliament through the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development.
