The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has initiated lifestyle audits of officials from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). This move is part of a broader effort to reset IDAC and address allegations of improper and politically influenced prosecutions. NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed the audits will extend beyond IDAC to senior NPA management, including prosecutors, investigators, and members of the NPA's Management Committee and Executive Committee.
The lifestyle audits were announced during a press conference with the minister, as part of the NPA's efforts to reset IDAC. Kganyago emphasized that the exercise will cover IDAC prosecutors and investigators, as well as senior NPA management. This move comes after IDAC faced accusations of running a rogue element, conducting improper prosecutions, and fabricating or altering evidence. The audits aim to ensure accountability and transparency within the organization.
The NPA also intends to review cases previously handled by IDAC. This review is expected to scrutinize the handling of police crime-intelligence investigations, particularly those overseen by former IDAC boss Andrea Johnson. Johnson's leadership was questioned during the Madlanga Commission, where she was accused of leaking a confidential docket to Major-General Feroz Khan, a Crime Intelligence boss facing corruption allegations.
Andrea Johnson resigned from her position as IDAC boss on July 27, 2026, amid intense scrutiny. The question arose as to whether the lifestyle audit would apply to her, given her resignation. According to Kganyago, Johnson was included in the lifestyle audit of the NPA Executive Committee because she was an EXCO member when the process began. However, with her resignation, the NPA can no longer enforce the audit on her.
Johnson's resignation followed her appearance at the Madlanga Commission, where she was questioned about her relationship with Khan. The commission heard that Johnson and Khan exchanged affectionate text messages, despite her earlier description of their relationship as professional. Johnson invoked her constitutional right against self-incrimination when questioned about the alleged disclosure and declined to answer.
The Pretoria Magistrate's Court recently dropped charges against suspended SAPS national commissioner Fannie Masemola. IDAC had brought the charges under Johnson's leadership. The dropping of charges has raised questions about the effectiveness of IDAC's investigations and the potential for politically influenced prosecutions.
The NPA's lifestyle audits and review of IDAC cases aim to restore public trust and ensure accountability within the organization. The outcome of these efforts will be closely watched, particularly in light of the allegations against IDAC and its former leadership. The NPA's actions will likely have significant implications for the future of IDAC and its role in investigating corruption.
Key points
- NPA initiates lifestyle audits of IDAC officials to address allegations of improper prosecutions
- Audits will extend beyond IDAC to senior NPA management
- Former IDAC boss Andrea Johnson's position remains uncertain regarding the lifestyle audit following her resignation
