South Africa's IDAC head Andrea Johnson under fire for contradictory testimony

Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Andrea Johnson apologized after describing Brigadier Dineo Mokwele’s appointment as a “token appointment”, admitting she had never read Mokwele’s curriculum vitae, job application or the advertisement for the position. In her testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Johnson acknowledged the statement was inappropriate and recognized Mokwele’s extensive qualifications, including a degree in industrial engineering and mechatronics, strong matric results and multiple certificates.

Johnson was later questioned by evidence leaders about apparent contradictions between her testimony to the Madlanga Commission and to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee. She said she had received a referral letter from the Police Minister’s office when speaking to the Commission, but testified to the Ad Hoc Committee that she did not recall receiving such a referral or being aware of a complaint lodged by MP Fadiel Adams. The committee’s evidence leader highlighted the inconsistency and pressed Johnson on why she had asserted otherwise.