The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard an audio recording in which former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson allegedly tells State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy to leave the country if he is called to testify before the commission.
Ramsamy is appearing before the commission on Tuesday, where he is giving evidence about allegations that Johnson failed to follow proper legal processes during IDAC investigations.
The recording was played during proceedings as the commission continued examining the conduct of IDAC officials and the handling of several high-profile investigations.
In the recording, Johnson allegedly expresses concern about the commission's questioning and its scrutiny of IDAC's understanding and application of the law.
She appears to suggest that Ramsamy could face similar scrutiny if he were called to testify.
“If they call you, you’ll leave the country,” Johnson is heard saying in the recording.
She then refers to questions surrounding Sections 27 and 28, which relate to investigative powers under the National Prosecuting Authority Act, and appears to acknowledge that she had previously been unfamiliar with certain legal provisions.
“I didn’t know Section 28, I didn’t know Section 27, I know nothing,” she is heard saying.
Johnson also appears to express concern about comments made by a judge during the commission's proceedings and the potential impact of the testimony on the reputations of those involved.
The recording comes as the commission continues to investigate allegations surrounding IDAC's conduct, including whether proper legal procedures were followed during its investigations.
Ramsamy's testimony is expected to shed further light on the internal processes followed by IDAC and the circumstances surrounding the allegations against its former head.
The commission's investigation is ongoing.