Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Adv Andrea Johnson, says although she received death threats last year, she believes nothing compares to the impact of comments made recently by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a public briefing.
Johnson’s comments follow Mkhwanazi’s widely discussed statement:
“We are at war. Blood will flow.”
According to Johnson, the remarks created fear and anxiety among officials inside IDAC, with staff questioning whether the comments carried implications for them and their safety.
Speaking to Parliament previously, Johnson revealed that after the arrest of Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, she personally received a chilling message telling her to “get body bags ready”, saying it was the first direct death threat she had experienced in nearly three decades of work.
Johnson said despite that experience, Mkhwanazi’s public remarks had a broader impact because they affected an entire institution and left employees asking difficult questions.
“Whose blood will be spilled? Ours? By who? What have we done?”
Johnson has also rejected claims that there are rogue elements within IDAC, arguing that unsupported allegations can damage institutions and place investigators at risk.
Mkhwanazi’s comments came after he visited IDAC offices regarding concerns around reports of an alleged arrest warrant. IDAC has publicly denied that any warrant of arrest had been issued against him.
