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The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned by allegations made against Adv. Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Adv. Johnson must answer to the allegations made at the Madlanga Commission without delay. 

Adv. Johnson's task is to spearhead the fight against corruption in her position. The allegations against her cast serious doubt over whether she is capable of doing that job without fear, favour or prejudice.

The alleged implication of IDAC (and its head) in corruption allegations involving senior members of the SAPS shows why we need an independent institution to investigate and prosecute corruption, as we propose in our Anti-Corruption Commission (Scorpions 2.0) Bill, currently before Parliament. 

South Africa needs a body that is completely independent from the officials it is tasked with going after. The NPA does not have the capacity, nor the budgetary independence, to ensure that corrupt state officials are put behind bars. We propose creating a Scorpions 2.0, similar to a Chapter 9 institution, that can investigate and prosecute corruption without interference. 

Moving the investigation of corruption to a separate, capable and independent body will free up capacity at the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute crimes like assault, murder and rape without delay.

While the allegations of interference levelled against Adv. Johnson are untested, it is immensely important that she testify before the Madlanga commission to shed light on the matter.

Issued by Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP - DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development