Andrea Johnson's Madlanga Commission testimony delayed after hospitalisation

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has postponed the anticipated testimony of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, after she was unable to appear on medical grounds.

Johnson's legal representative, Apla Bodlani, told the commission that Johnson had been rushed to hospital on Monday morning after falling ill. A medical certificate was submitted confirming that she was receiving treatment and was not fit to testify.

However, retired Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga dismissed the medical certificate submitted on behalf of Johnson, describing it as another vague sick note that failed to provide any useful medical details.

Madlanga said the commission had previously received similar certificates and maintained that they were of little value because they offered no explanation for a witness's inability to testify.

He remarked that the latest certificate was "one of those so-called useless medical certificates" as it contained no meaningful information regarding Johnson's condition.

Johnson had been expected to answer questions relating to allegations that she mishandled a criminal complaint involving Deputy National Crime Intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan.

Her appearance before the commission followed testimony heard last week, during which witnesses made claims that she may have interfered in the handling of sensitive investigations, including the case involving Khan.

Commissioners were expected to question Johnson on those allegations and seek clarity on decisions taken by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption in relation to several high-profile matters.

A new date for her appearance is expected to be announced once she has recovered and is able to testify.