The credibility of South Africa’s Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has been muddied by explosive testimony at the Madlanga Commission, where State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy accused former IDAC head Advocate Andrea Johnson and chief investigator Dylan Perumal of orchestrating attacks on top police officials, manipulating investigation tools, and abusing statutory powers.
Ramsamy painted a picture of a toxic internal culture within IDAC, alleging that Johnson lied under oath and that Section 28 powers were routinely misused without oversight.
ALSO READ: Sithole says youth entrepreneurship key to jobs and economic growth
Her testimony directly challenges Johnson’s earlier six-day account before the commission.
In statements she said:
– “If you went against what Perumal wanted to do, you were attacked by Adv Johnson.”
Ramsamy described a hostile environment where Johnson allegedly acted at Perumal’s behest, earning the nickname “flip-flop, knee-jerk” for constantly reversing instructions.
- Adv Johnson and Mr Perumal launched an orchestrated attack on General Masemola and Lt General Khumalo using IDAC’s powerful investigation tools.
Ramsamy alleged that a project was engineered to target suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, suggesting the weaponisation of state resources for personal or political takedowns.
- “It’s a lie. It is a straight lie.” Ramsamy accused Johnson of perjury, insisting she was fully aware of operational decisions in the Crime Intelligence probes, contrary to her testimony.
- Audio recording evidence. Ramsamy played a recording where Johnson allegedly urged her to flee South Africa to avoid testifying, advising her to “play dumb” about Section 27 and Section 28 legislation. This, Ramsamy argued, was proof of a conspiracy to obstruct justice.
- “My heart dropped to my stomach because this was not the affidavit that advocate Johnson gave me.”
ALSO READ: Kubayi suspends IDAC chief investigator Dylan Perumal as sweeping overhaul begins
Ramsamy testified that Johnson handed her a “pinkish-purple sheet” of pre-selected suspects to expand an investigation via Section 28(13). She later discovered discrepancies between this and the official affidavit submitted to Parliament, suggesting fabricated mandates.
The testimony undermines the institutional integrity of IDAC, while raising concerns about procedural malpractice, abuse of statutory power, and workplace victimisation for challenging unethical practices.
As the state advocate responsible for drafting critical paperwork, Ramsamy’s insider perspective provides a rare glimpse into the alleged misuse of prosecutorial tools at the highest levels.
Her disclosures to the commission could reshape the trajectory of the Madlanga Commission report and intensify scrutiny on South Africa’s anti-corruption machinery.
