Andrea Johnson, the former head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, and Maj-Gen Feroz Khan, a former senior crime intelligence official, have been granted bail of R10,000 each by the Pretoria magistrate's court. The duo face charges related to defeating the ends of justice, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and contraventions of the National Prosecuting Authority Act. This development comes as the court postponed the case until February 2, 2027.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on June 26, 2018, when Khan had a serious argument with his junior SAPS crime intelligence employee, Brig Manana Leonora Phetlhe. The argument led to a physical confrontation where Khan allegedly attacked Phetlhe with a pen, stabbing her, and further hit her with his hands and a paper file. As a result, Phetlhe sustained injuries to her face and chest area, prompting her to open a criminal case on the same day.
The case took a complicated turn when Khan submitted a "warning statement" to the investigating officer on July 5, 2018, without being asked to do so. State investigations revealed that Khan and Johnson had a close relationship, with Johnson attending a private party of Khan's and even influencing her husband's job interviews in Khan's unit. This relationship is alleged to have played a role in the sharing of sensitive information.
On July 4, 2018, a journalist allegedly received the contents of the docket from an undisclosed source and shared them with Johnson. Johnson then allegedly forwarded the contents to Khan, allowing him to prepare for the pending criminal investigations and internal probe. The state alleges that Khan and Johnson knew their conduct was wrong, with Khan even linking his junior administrative police official to Johnson to exchange private email addresses.
As part of the bail conditions, Johnson has been ordered to surrender her passport. The National Prosecuting Authority Act contraventions and assault charges against Johnson and Khan are serious offenses that could have significant implications for their careers and personal lives. The case has been postponed until February 2, 2027, giving both parties ample time to prepare their defense.
Johnson submitted her letter of resignation to the national director of public prosecutions, Andy Mothibi, as well as President Cyril Ramaphosa, on July 26, 2018. This move came amid allegations of impropriety and misconduct. The resignation letter has been seen as a strategic move by Johnson, but it does not necessarily imply guilt or innocence.
The granting of bail to Johnson and Khan has raised concerns about the potential for interference with the investigation and the integrity of the justice system. The case will continue on February 2, 2027, and it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule on the matter.
Key points
- Johnson and Khan face charges related to defeating the ends of justice, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and contraventions of the National Prosecuting Authority Act.
- The case has been postponed until February 2, 2027, and Johnson has been ordered to surrender her passport as part of her bail conditions.
- Johnson and Khan allegedly shared sensitive information, with Johnson forwarding the contents of the docket to Khan, potentially compromising the investigation.
