WATCH | IDAC head Andrea Johnson testifies on ‘Big Five’ syndicate corruption | SAPS Inquiry
Advocate Andrea Johnson at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in Bloemfontein, where the State's appeal of the sentencing of Oscar Pistorius is being heard. Picture: Jacques Naude/ANA Advocate Andrea Johnson, South Africa's Anti-Corruption Chief Faces Parliamentary Committee Amid criminal justice infiltration.
Image: Jacques Naude
Advocate Andrea Johnson, Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), has taken the stand at the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday morning.
The committee is probing allegations criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within South Africa’s justice system following explosive allegations made by KZN police chief Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July.
The committee, chaired by Soviet Lekganyane, began hearings on October 7,2025, amid troubling allegations that a sophisticated crime syndicate, known as the “Big Five,” has deeply infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures.
At a media briefing on July 6, Mkhwanazi, spoke about the syndicate’s presence within the security forces.
Central to the inquiry is the December 31, 2024, decision by suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Mkhwanazi warned the committee that this move severely undermines investigations into politically motivated killings, many linked to prominent members of the syndicate.
Advocate Johnson’s testimony is expected to shed further light on the systemic corruption afflicting the justice and law enforcement sectors.
Johnson is also expected to face tough questioning from members following allegations of interference by IDAC officials and, as some parliamentarians referred to, “rogue elements” within the directorate.
Her testimony follows weeks of hearings in which IDAC officials have been implicated in interfering with police investigations.
The committee also heard from Mkhwanazi about IDAC’s role in the arrest of Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo earlier this year, an event that sparked considerable controversy.
Johnson will provide further information on the directorate’s involvement in ongoing corruption cases and its broader mandate to combat criminality within law enforcement.
Previous witnesses before the committee have included Mkhwanazi, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibuyi, former Police Minister Bheki Cele, Deputy Police Ministers Cassel Mathale and Dr Paulina Boshielo, and acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia.
The committee will continue its sessions through Thursday and Friday as it seeks to uncover the full extent of corruption and criminal infiltration within South Africa’s justice system.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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