Former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson has completed her evidence before the Madlanga Commission after her WhatsApp exchanges with Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan came under close examination.
The Andrea Johnson WhatsApp messages included warm greetings and references to possible family visits. Johnson told the commission that she regarded Khan as “a very good friend”, but denied that their families had visited one another’s homes.
Andrea Johnson WhatsApp messages examined
Evidence leader Mahlape Sello said the chats included greetings such as “Hi, gorgeous” and “dearest”. The messages were not displayed publicly because some exchanges referred to minor children. However, Sello argued that their tone showed Johnson and Khan had a close personal relationship.
Johnson said she and her husband had attended Khan’s 50th birthday celebration. She also said she had occasionally met him for lunch. However, she rejected suggestions that the two families had socialised at each other’s homes.
Commissioner Sandile Khumalo also questioned Johnson about a private meeting at her IDAC office. According to evidence presented at the hearing, Khan wanted to discuss fears that people, possibly members of the Hawks, were plotting against him.
Khan reportedly entered through a VIP or side entrance and went directly to Johnson’s office without using reception. Johnson said senior police officers often used an alternative entrance. She added that the meeting later turned out not to concern a Hawks investigation.
Johnson Declines Questions Over 2018 Complaint
The commission also examined allegations linked to a June 2018 assault and intimidation complaint against Khan by former Crime Intelligence officer Brigadier Leonora Phetlhe. Evidence before the commission alleged that Johnson gave Khan information from the complaint before he supplied investigators with a warning statement.
Johnson declined to answer questions on that issue and invoked her right against self-incrimination. The Citizen reported that a prosecutor had been assigned to consider whether charges should be brought against her.
President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted Johnson’s request to leave office with immediate effect on 27 July 2026. The Presidency said Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi recommended the decision, with support from National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi.
Madlanga Commission Inquiry Continues]
The Madlanga Commission is investigating alleged criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system. It arose from allegations made publicly by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July 2025.
Questions around the Andrea Johnson WhatsApp messages and her handling of the Khan matter now form part of the commission’s wider evidence. As of 30 July 2026, the inquiry remained under way and had not announced final findings on these issues.
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