'There's no Witch-Hunt Against Khumalo'

(The Post News)– Andrea Johnson, head of South Africa’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), firmly rejected accusations that her office launched a politically motivated “witch-hunt.”

She addressed Parliament’s ad hoc committee on police corruption on 6 November, defending her team’s decision to arrest former Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo and pursue multiple investigations into police misconduct.

Johnson emphasized that IDAC’s actions are grounded in its legal mandate to combat corruption and misconduct within the police service.

Witch Hunt Mixed with Death Threat:

According to EWN, Johanson explained that they had considered arresting Khumalo and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola back in 2022 during a separate IPID investigation, but they lacked sufficient evidence at the time.

She added that the controversy surrounding Khumalo’s recent arrest stems from the fact that he was the only official detained. Johnson dismissed claims and emphasized that her team follows the law and prioritizes justice over politics.

We are not hunting anyone,” Johnson told lawmakers. “We act on credible evidence and fulfill our duty to the public.”

IDAC investigators arrested former Khumalo and opened four additional cases involving corruption, obstruction, and misuse of state resources. Johnson said the investigations began after whistleblowers submitted a collective complaint last year.

She also confirmed receiving a death threat related to the probe, highlighting the personal risks tied to the case. Moreover, speaking to Parliament’s ad hoc committee on police corruption, Johnson explained that some of the complaints against Crime Intelligence officials were linked to broader patterns of state capture.

According to the Daily Maverick, during the session, DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach asked Johnson directly whether she had been threatened, which Johnson affirmed.

It later became clear that the threat occurred before the June 2025 arrest of Khumalo and six of his colleagues, adding further weight to concerns about intimidation and resistance within law enforcement ranks.

Rogue Elements in Idac

Johnson also firmly stated that no rogue members operate within her unit.

TimesLive reported she responded to claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that rogue elements exist in the organization. Mkhwanazi claimed that his sources inside IDAC had shared details about internal activities.

However Johnson said Mkhwanazi made the allegations carelessly and without proof.

“There are no rogue members at IDAC, and I’m sure Mkhwanazi knows that putting such a word out there is irresponsible,” she said. “The absence of any evidence has cost people their lives and agencies their mandates; there are no rogues. Perhaps he knows rogues because he indicated he has sources in IDAC.”

During the parliamentary session, MK Party MP David Skosana asked Johnson whether she believed rogue officers operated within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Johnson responded that she had no knowledge of any.

SAPS Tender Scandal

Johnson declined to name the politicians linked to the irregular awarding of a SAPS tender to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who faces attempted murder charges.

Johnson explained that revealing names without solid evidence would be irresponsible. “I have learnt that you can throw a name and follow an investigation, and it does not amount to evidence,” she said.

Earlier, Johnson informed the inquiry that IDAC is actively investigating the R360 million contract awarded to Matlala, which SAPS later cancelled. She clarified that IDAC has not yet launched a formal investigation into Matlala in his capacity as a service provider.