South Africa rescues anti‑corruption unit amid IDAC scandal

The South African government has launched a six‑month rescue operation for the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) after the unit was hit by revelations of misconduct at the Madlanga Commission. New leadership will be appointed, with an acting head from outside the Pretoria headquarters taking charge within days, and a comprehensive audit of every case handled by the scandal‑plagued unit will be conducted. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Andy Mothibi said former IDAC head Andrea Johnson remains under criminal investigation and that resignation does not shield anyone from accountability.

State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy testified before the Madlanga Commission, alleging that Johnson misled the panel and personally supervised high‑profile investigations, including matters related to Medicare and Crime Intelligence. Commission Chair Mbuyiseni Madlanga noted that the evidence suggested Johnson’s testimony was a lie. The investigation into Johnson continues alongside the broader rescue of the anti‑corruption unit.