By Johnathan Paoli
Former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Andrea Johnson was challenged at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday over a summons she authorised seeking Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) promotion records, despite saying she had not known about specific allegations involving the unit.
The issue arose as evidence leader Mahlape Sello continued questioning Johnson about the scope of an IDAC investigation that stemmed from a Section 27 referral linked to National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams.
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Johnson repeatedly maintained that she only became aware this week that allegations specifically relating to the PKTT were contained in supplementary statements allegedly obtained from Adams by investigator Dylan Perumal.
However, Sello referred Johnson to documentation she signed in 2025 authorising IDAC to obtain information relating to appointments and promotions involving members of the PKTT.
The documents raised questions about Johnson’s previous knowledge of IDAC’s interest in the unit.
“It now emerges that Johnson also authorised a summons requesting records of promotions within the PKTT,” Sello said.
Johnson responded that IDAC “was investigating the promotions of commanders and members of officers within the PKTT” but could not recall questioning the investigative team about why those records were required.
The explanation prompted further scrutiny from the commission.
Commissioner Sandile Khumalo said the documents indicated that IDAC had been examining matters involving the PKTT and questioned why the anti-corruption body had sought information about the specialised police unit.
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“The question is why? Why was IDAC investigating the PKTT? Why?” Khumalo asked.
Sello also questioned why records concerning PKTT promotions had been sought through the summons, arguing that they appeared unrelated to the employment documentation IDAC had requested regarding Crime Intelligence appointments.
The commission adjourned for a tea break, with Commissioner Sesi Baloyi saying the issue would be examined further.
