ActionSA welcomes the arrest of former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, and former Crime Intelligence Deputy Head, Major-General Feroz Khan.
These arrests follow months of serious allegations and revelations emerging from Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where the conduct of both individuals came under scrutiny.
ActionSA consistently raised concerns about Advocate Johnson’s conduct, particularly following contradictions between her testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee and evidence subsequently presented before the Madlanga Commission.
During the Ad Hoc Committee proceedings, I called for an express finding that her evidence was materially false, potentially constituting perjury and a contravention of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act. I further called for the matter to be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution where warranted.
Despite facing considerable resistance from the Committee majority, ActionSA refused to back down. Our position was repeatedly challenged, while the EFF went as far as invoking Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s name in defending Johnson. Rather than being intimidated or distracted, we stood our ground and continued demanding accountability. These arrests demonstrate why it was so important that we did not abandon our position in the face of political pressure.
The Madlanga Commission subsequently raised further serious questions about Johnson’s conduct, including allegations concerning her relationship with Major-General Khan and the alleged disclosure of a police docket relating to a criminal complaint against him.
The institution entrusted with investigating corruption cannot itself be beyond scrutiny. Those occupying positions of authority within our criminal justice system must be held to the same standards of integrity and accountability expected of every public official.
ActionSA maintains that allegations of corruption, political interference and abuse of authority must be investigated without fear or favour, irrespective of the seniority or institutional position of those implicated.
The arrests must now be followed by a thorough and independent legal prosecution process. The public deserves answers and accountability, and confidence that nobody is above the law.
ActionSA Electoral Debut: First contested the 2021 Local Government Elections.
Highlander Monk
Jamaica: You have two cows. They win 25 gold medals at the Bovine Olympics.
shadowfax
Now Now – immediately / soon. A confusing phrase for non-locals meaning sometime soon – sooner than just now but quicker than right now.Example: “We’re going to the beach now now!” (But first we have to pack our swimming gear, stop at gas station and maybe get some snacks…).