Former Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson continued to face intense questioning before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Monday, despite her resignation from the anti-corruption unit taking effect.
Johnson's resignation was accepted by President Cyril Ramaphosa after she requested to vacate office with immediate effect. In her 17-point resignation letter addressed to the President and National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi, she cited sustained pressure over recent months.
"The recent five months or so have been challenging and the attacks on both my person and official capacity have been unprecedented," Johnson wrote.
However, her departure from IDAC has not brought an end to her appearance before the commission, where she entered a third day of testimony.
Evidence leader Mahlape Sello questioned Johnson on whether all documentation relating to IDAC's investigations into Crime Intelligence had been handed over to the commission.
Johnson confirmed that Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams had submitted four A1 statements to IDAC in support of complaints against Crime Intelligence officials.
Her testimony follows admissions made last week that parts of her earlier evidence before Parliament's ad hoc committee were inaccurate.
Johnson acknowledged that IDAC had in fact requested a Section 27 affidavit from Adams, which later formed part of the investigation that resulted in the arrest of Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo. She had previously denied that the directorate had received the affidavit.
During Monday's proceedings, Johnson also conceded that a summons she signed on 6 February 2025 could be problematic if there was insufficient evidence to support allegations of manipulation of security vetting processes.
The summons relates to an investigation into the alleged unlawful granting and manipulation of security clearances.
Johnson told the commission she had signed the summons after receiving a briefing from investigators.
She stressed that police statements and referral affidavits form the foundation of any criminal investigation and warned that incomplete or improperly prepared documentation could jeopardise prosecutions.
Questioning the strength of the investigation, Sello asked how the commission should assess the summons if the supporting documents did not provide a factual or legal basis for the action.
"Then the investigation is problematic. Whatever follows is problematic," Johnson replied.
When asked about the legal standing of the investigation and any actions arising from it, Johnson said the matter could not proceed without credible supporting evidence.
"Short of a proper detailed explanation from the investigators, one that is accepted by the Commission, then that investigation falls away. It has to be a legitimate investigation that is supported by documentation. That is the basis on which IDAC has worked on all its other matters. This matter cannot be an exception," she said.
The Madlanga Commission continues to investigate allegations relating to the conduct of Crime Intelligence investigations and the processes followed by IDAC in pursuing high-profile corruption cases.