EFF BRIEFING: Malema denies shielding Khan, defends controversial praise for former Idac chief

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the immediate resignation of Advocate Andrea Johnson, the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), following a formal request from Johnson. The move comes after weeks of intense scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where Johnson faced rigorous questioning over IDAC's investigations into senior officials within the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Crime Intelligence division. Johnson submitted a letter to both Ramaphosa and the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Andy Mothibi, requesting that her three-month notice period be waived and that she vacate her office immediately. The Presidency confirmed on Monday that Ramaphosa had approved the request, following recommendations from Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Mothibi. Johnson cited the past five months as particularly challenging, marked by "unprecedented" personal and professional attacks. Much of the criticism centered around IDAC's investigations into Crime Intelligence officials, which she said had drawn "extreme negative attention" to both herself and the institution. In her resignation letter, Johnson expressed concern that her continued presence in the role could pose a reputational risk to IDAC and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). While acknowledging that the allegations against her remained unproven, she warned that any inquiry into her conduct would likely involve another commission of inquiry, a prospect she deemed too costly and disruptive for the country, especially given South Africa's ongoing scrutiny by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The controversy surrounding Johnson's tenure escalated significantly after her testimony before the Madlanga Commission. During her appearance, she admitted to making "key errors" and providing incorrect timelines and facts regarding IDAC's investigations during her earlier briefing to Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee. Among the admissions, Johnson acknowledged that IDAC had previously solicited a Section 27 affidavit regarding Crime Intelligence Chief Dumisani Khumalo, despite initially denying that the unit had received such a document. She also conceded that IDAC had no legal basis to investigate Khumalo and should not have solicited complaints from the public to initiate the probe. Johnson faced further scrutiny over her characterization of Brigadier Dineo Mokwele's appointment as a "token" appointment. She later withdrew that description and admitted she had not personally verified Mokwele's academic qualifications before approving her arrest for fraud. This admission raised concerns about the integrity of IDAC's investigations, particularly the case against Khumalo, which was built on allegations related to Mokwele's irregular appointment. Corruption Watch spokesperson Janine Erasmus emphasized that the collapse of the Mokwele case could undermine the entire fraud and corruption charge against Khumalo, potentially affecting other cases authorized by Johnson. The resignation of Johnson follows the withdrawal of fraud and corruption charges against Khumalo and other Crime Intelligence officials. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the charges were dropped after a review of the case and representations from the accused's legal team. This development occurred shortly after Johnson's resignation request was accepted, highlighting the complex interplay between her leadership and the outcomes of IDAC's investigations. Johnson's departure marks the end of a long and contentious chapter in her career. With over three decades of service in the NPA, including roles as deputy director of public prosecutions at the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions) and head of the Investigating Directorate, Johnson had been a prominent figure in South Africa's anti-corruption efforts. Her resignation leaves a void in the leadership of IDAC, an institution tasked with combating corruption and ensuring transparency within the justice system. As the country continues to grapple with issues of accountability and institutional integrity, the implications of Johnson's exit remain to be seen.