IDAC Crisis Deepens

Chief Quits as Criminal Complaint, Suspensions Loom

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has plunged deeper into turmoil with the sudden resignation of its head Advocate Andrea Johnson, a criminal complaint lodged against a senior investigator, and reports of looming suspensions. The crisis has sparked renewed calls for reform to restore confidence in South Africa’s anti-corruption institutions.

By MBULELO BALOYI

PRETORIA – President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted the immediate resignation of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson, deepening the crisis engulfing South Africa's premier anti-corruption unit as fresh criminal complaints, reports of imminent suspensions and renewed calls for institutional reform emerge.

National Coloured Congress (NCC) Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams confirmed on Monday that he has opened a criminal case at Wellington SAPS against senior IDAC investigator Dylan Perumal, alleging defeating the ends of justice and obstruction of justice.

Adams alleges that Perumal allowed or provided sensitive information to advocate Brian Padayachee for disclosure before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and misled Johnson.

He also contends that the commission should not have interfered in what he describes as a live criminal investigation.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and there has been no public response from Perumal to the claims.

Adams said he also intends lodging a formal complaint against Perumal with IDAC Oversight Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga and plans to write to the Madlanga Commission seeking an opportunity to present his version of events.

He further alleges that IDAC solicited an affidavit from him relating to a Crime Intelligence appointment and other matters.

Charges against Crime Inteligence Unit boss Lt General Dumisani Khumalo (right)and Brigadier Dineo Mokwele (left) and five other suspects were withdrawn on Monday this week,

Meanwhile, sources familiar with developments told The Quest  that several IDAC investigators could be suspended this week.

On Monday the NPA abandoned the prosecution of  Khumalo and six Crime Intelligence officers provisionally withdrawing the charges they were facing amid  conflicting IDAC recordings

The same sources said a senior Crime Intelligence officer may also face suspension, although no official confirmation has been provided.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said Johnson's resignation underscored the need to restore public confidence in the country's anti-corruption institutions.

IFP spokesperson Nhlanhla Hadebe said South Africa's anti-corruption bodies must be led by individuals who inspire public confidence and execute their constitutional mandates with integrity, independence and professionalism.

He called for a transparent and speedy appointment process to ensure continuity in the fight against corruption.

He urged the government to strengthen the country's criminal justice and anti-corruption institutions by ensuring they are adequately resourced, independent and effective.

Separately, a source familiar with the matter disputed Adams' actions, alleging that the criminal complaint is an attempt to deflect attention from findings emerging before the Madlanga Commission.

The source claimed Adams was central to an alleged attempt to influence SAPS leadership and suggested the complaint against Perumal would not succeed. TQ