The Threat That Changed Everything
Advocate Andrea Johnson, the head of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), has shared harrowing details about a death threat she received, revealing the intense challenges faced by those working to combat corruption in South Africa.
During her appearance at a parliamentary inquiry into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Johnson disclosed that she had received a message on her phone warning her to prepare body bags. The message suggested that she and her team had gone too far in their investigations.
“This was the first time in my almost 30 years of work that I experienced something like this directly. While we have dealt with high-profile and contentious cases before, this one was different and very difficult,” she said.
The threat still lingers, making it even more challenging for Johnson to continue her work. “The fight against corruption is not for sissies, and you can’t be weak in this fight,” she emphasized.
Despite the danger, Johnson has not considered stepping down from her position. “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.
The threat has made her more cautious and aware of the risks involved. “You read about these issues and think they are terrible. But when it comes at you directly, it really makes you pause. So I had my pause moment. I have to get over it because I have to do my job.”
Addressing Criticism and Allegations
Johnson responded to criticism from Mkhwanazi, who accused IDAC of turning the appointment of a person in the Crime Intelligence Division into a major corruption issue after the arrest of Dumisani Khumalo, the unit’s head, and six others. She explained that IDAC focused on the cumulative effect of the referral, which pointed to state capture.
“They grouped themselves to achieve a particular agenda to gratify Brigadier Mokwele with a post she wasn’t qualified for or experienced in. This was done to ensure she would be indebted to the accused for future requests,” Johnson stated.
IDAC investigated senior Crime Intelligence officers following a complaint from National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams. Johnson dismissed claims that IDAC was conducting a coordinated campaign against Mkhwanazi, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and Khumalo.
“There are criminal matters in IDAC. If we wanted to go on a witch-hunt, we could have arrested both General Mkhwanazi and Masemola when I took office in 2022 or any time since then. We didn’t do so because there wasn’t enough evidence,” she said.
She also denied any witch-hunt against Khumalo, stating that no prior matters were brought up before Adams’ referral. “There is no witch-hunt on any of the officials,” she confirmed.
Investigations and Accusations
Johnson revealed that an investigation into Mkhwanazi and Masemola was previously conducted based on a referral from the Independent Police Investigating Directorate. However, she noted that there was insufficient evidence to proceed against them.
It was reported earlier this year that IDAC was planning to arrest the two top officers, and the July 6 media briefing was seen as an attempt to prevent the arrest. Johnson addressed whether there were rogue elements within IDAC after Mkhwanazi made allegations during the inquiry.
“I am sure General Mkhwanazi should have known that making such claims without evidence is irresponsible. It has cost people their lives and 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 expressed concern over Mkhwanazi’s claim of having sources at IDAC. “I find it alarming that a provincial commissioner, who used to be an acting national commissioner of police, needs sources in IDAC or any law enforcement agency,” she stated.
A Call for Communication
Johnson said Mkhwanazi should have reached out to her if he had any concerns. She has not contacted him due to preparations for the parliamentary inquiry.
“I did not want it to seem like we were trying to cover ourselves. There is nothing to cover in IDAC, and I am sure if he has that information, I will contact him now that I am done with the Ad Hoc Committee,” she concluded.