Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has announced the suspension of three senior officials from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as allegations of misconduct continue to emerge before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, Kubayi confirmed that IDAC chief investigator Dylan Perumal and senior investigators Brian Padayachee and Suneel Bellochun have been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
The suspensions follow explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where several witnesses have accused senior IDAC officials of manipulating investigations, fabricating witness statements and abusing their powers.
Kubayi said while the allegations were serious, they did not justify calls for IDAC to be disbanded.
“The recent revelations about the former head of IDAC, Ms Andrea Johnson, and some of the investigators within IDAC has led to calls from some sections of society and political parties for IDAC to be disbanded,” she said.
“We think these calls are without foundation and therefore cannot be supported.”
Kubayi stressed that institutions should not be judged solely on the actions of individuals.
“Individuals and organisations come and go, but institutions remain, and we must defend and protect institutions because they are formed to fulfil a societal need rather than the agendas of individuals.”
She said officials who abuse their powers or violate operational standards must be held accountable.
“What has also come to light is that there are individuals who have deliberately been deviating from established norms and standards… to achieve their own goals and ends within IDAC.”
Kubayi said government is taking steps to strengthen oversight and restore confidence in the anti-corruption unit.
She pointed to the recently established Office of IDAC Oversight, headed by Judge Thokozile Dagalani Rowland, which is tasked with investigating complaints and allegations of improper conduct within the directorate.
In addition, the department has launched a comprehensive review of IDAC to improve its operational management, review its standard operating procedures, strengthen its digital forensic capabilities, and reposition the directorate for the future.
The announcement comes days after President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted the resignation of former IDAC head Andrea Johnson with immediate effect.
Johnson has featured prominently in evidence before the Madlanga Commission and may be recalled to respond to fresh allegations from her former subordinate, prosecutor Drushanta Ramsamy, during Ramsamy’s testimony on Thursday.
Ramsamy accused Johnson of giving dishonest evidence before the commission and attempting to shift blame onto her former colleagues.
Prosecutor DrushanthaRamsamy told the Madlanga commission that Idac’s operation manual is “supposed to” create structures in which Idac works. However, she says, former Idac head, Andrea Johnson, “would deviate constantly” [from the manual which she described as the Bible]. She… pic.twitter.com/qQsR7u3wOE
— Sowetan (@Sowetan1981) July 30, 2026
A shocking phone call recording allegedly between Andrea Johnson and Ramsamy, which was played out at the commission, added a dramatic new twist to the inquiry.
In the recording, Johnson can allegedly be heard using profane language to describe the commission and criticising the conduct of its members.
Although portions of the audio were difficult to hear, Johnson appeared to accuse the commissioners of being unprofessional and questioned the conduct of commission chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
“Whether we like it or not, they are going to make our names s*** anyway, you can just see it… Remember he’s a judge. For him to make a comment that this is basic law 101, I’m surprised you don’t know it with your 30 years’ experience. The judge makes faces, and they laugh with each other while you’re still answering; it’s so unprofessional.”
🎈‼️🔥 The whole of South Africa fell silent for 12 minutes. 🙈
A shocking telephone recording between Adv Andrea Johnson and Ms Ramsamy has been played before the Commission.
Adv Andrea Johnson is heard making mockery of the Commission and Commissioners 😳#MadlangaCommission pic.twitter.com/mkXVxc3mKD
— Siyakhula (@misumuzi_4) July 30, 2026
Johnson had been in the hot seat for several days, with the commission hearing yesterday that she and IDAC investigator Dylan Perumal shared a close friendship.
