Public Interest SA registers criminal complaint against Advocate Andrea Johnson

Pretoria, South Africa. Tuesday, 28 April 2026 — Public Interest SA confirms that it has today formally registered a criminal complaint against Advocate Andrea Johnson, Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The complaint has been lodged with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation at its headquarters in Pretoria, under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA).

The complaint arises from Johnson’s admitted participation, while serving in the Directorate for Special Operations (the erstwhile “Scorpions”), in an interview and selection process involving her spouse, who was subsequently appointed.

We submit that this conduct constitutes a prima facie case of corruption involving the abuse of public office to confer a benefit on a related party.

South Africans expect that those entrusted with leading critical public offices — particularly the head of an institution such as IDAC — must uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical leadership, as their conduct directly shapes public confidence in the fairness, independence, and credibility of the justice system.

Public Interest SA emphasises that this step does not substitute for, nor does it seek to second-guess, the ongoing engagement with the NPA following the formal complaint lodged with the authority and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in December 2025.

We continue to await a substantive progress report on that process.

Public Interest SA reserves the right to supplement this complaint and to lay additional charges should further evidence come to light.

Public Interest SA emphasises that the lodging of a criminal complaint does not constitute a finding of guilt. This step has been taken to ensure that the matter is subjected to independent investigation by competent law enforcement authorities.

In light of the seriousness of the allegations and in order to preserve the integrity of the investigative process, Public Interest SA confirms that it will not be conducting media interviews or engaging in further public commentary on this matter at this stage. This is to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their functions without undue influence or prejudice.

Public Interest SA remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical governance, accountability, and the rule of law. Where credible allegations of misconduct arise, particularly at senior levels of public administration, it is both necessary and appropriate that they be subjected to proper legal scrutiny.

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Issued by: Public Interest SA NPC