IDAC head faces chilling death threat during corruption inquiry

Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, recounted chilling details regarding a death threat she received.

During her appearance at the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Thursday, Johnson revealed that a message was sent to her phone, telling her to get body bags as she and her team had gone too far.

“In my almost 30 years, it was the first time it happened to me directly, and given that we have dealt with contentious and high-profile matters over the years.

“This was different and very difficult. The threat still remains, which makes it more difficult,” she said.

Johnson expressed that the threat forced her to confront the harsh realities of her work.

“The fight against corruption is not for sissies and so you can't be weak in this fight.”

She has not thought of the prospect of abandoning her position despite the threat to her life.

“What I can't do is to step away from this work. If I step away, who takes over, and what happens to the person who takes over?” she asked.

Johnson said the death threat has made her more wary and more alive, stating that people have been taken out.

“You read about it you and say this issue is absolutely terrible. When it comes at you directly, it really makes you pause. So I have had my pause moment. I have to get over my pause moment because I have to do my job.”

Responding to criticism from Mkhwanazi that IDAC turned the appointment of a person at Crime Intelligence Division into a big corruption issue when they arrested the unit’s head, Dumisani Khumalo, and six other accused, Johnson said they had looked at the cumulative effect of the referral that amounted to state capture.

“They grouped themselves in a way to achieve a particular agenda to gratify Brigadier Mokwele with a post which she was neither qualified nor had the requisite experience because she needed to be placed in a strategic position and indebted her to the accused for whatever they require in the future,” she said.

IDAC probed the senior Crime Intelligence officers after National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams lodged a complaint.

Johnson dismissed the allegation that IDAC actively engaged in a coordinated action against Mkhwanazi, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and Khumalo.

“There are criminal matters in IDAC. If IDAC wanted to go on a witch-hunt, nothing precluded IDAC from arresting and placing both General Mkhwanazi and Masemola when I took office in 2022 or any time from then till now.

“We did not do so because there was not sufficient evidence in the matters we have.”

She also said there was also no witch-hunt against Khumalo because there were no matters brought up prior to the referral by Adams.

“There is no witch-hunt on any of the officials,” she said.

Johnson revealed that there was an investigation previously conducted on Mkhwanazi and Masemola based on a referral from the Independent Police Investigating Directorate.

“There is insufficient evidence to move against them.”

It was reported earlier this year that IDAC was to arrest the two top officers, and the July 6 media briefing was viewed as an attempt to stop the arrest.

Johnson was asked whether there were rogue elements at IDAC after Mkhwanazi made allegations when he appeared before the inquiry.

“I am sure General Mkhwanazi should have known that putting such out there is really irresponsible in the absence of evidence. It has cost people their lives. It has cost agencies their mandate,” she said.

“There are no rogues. Perhaps, he knows rogues. He indicated he has sources in IDAC, so maybe those are the rogues, but there are no rogues.”

She also said it was quite alarming that Mkhwanazi claimed he has sources at IDAC.

“I think what was most perplexing is why would a provincial commissioner, who used to be an acting national commissioner of police, need sources, not just in IDA but any law enforcement agency,” she stated.

Johnson said Mkhwanazi should have called her if he had any misgivings or concerns.

She has not made contact with Mkhwanazi because of the preparations for the parliamentary inquiry.

“I did not want it seem we were trying to cover ourselves. There is nothing to cover in IDAC and I am sure if he has that information and I will contact him now that I am done with the Ad Hoc Committee,” she said.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za