LETTER TO THE EDITOR
NPA’s ID head Andrea Johnson: ‘I am committed to bringing impactful cases to court in the fight against corruption’
In response to a column in Daily Maverick, the Investigating Director of the National Prosecuting Authority said that writer Paul Hoffman does not need to question her commitment and expertise to deliver on her mandate.
I welcome Mr Hoffman’s, and other civil society actors’, constructive criticisms and important contributions to policy debates. I share and understand his frustration at the slow pace of progress in relation to certain priority cases that remain stuck in the broader criminal justice system.
But it’s simply not possible for me to respond in detail to every request or demand for updates on individual cases, especially when they are not currently being handled by the Investigating Director (ID). We have important work to do, and we will not be distracted.
Read Hoffman’s column here: It’s not ‘now or never’ for the NPA, it’s never ever
Since taking office as the ID in the NPA about five months ago, I have adopted a strategic and focused approach to the matters within the mandate of the ID. The ID is a young institution created in the NPA at a time when the entire organisation was reeling after the ravages of state capture. We are making important progress in rebuilding the NPA, and I trust that most South Africans appreciate this.
We have enrolled more than 80 cases, with at least 30 high-profile suspects before court. And there is more to come soon. Together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit, we have frozen over R5-billion in assets as part of our drive to remove the profit from crime. We have built relationships and strengthened our collaboration with key partners, and we have mobilised important political support and additional resources for our work. It’s a complex environment, with many moving parts and different actors. I have provided regular updates to the public and parliament on the progress, and the challenges we face.
Read this analysis by Stephen Grootes: It’s now or never for the NPA
High-level corruption is an existential threat to our country, which demands a collective and holistic response. We need to work together if we are to prevail. I remain focused on delivering on my mandate, and bringing impactful cases to court. Mr Hoffman does not need to question my commitment and expertise to deliver on this. I ask to be given the space to do so without unwarranted attacks and unnecessary referrals to the Public Protector. DM
Andrea Johnson is the Investigating Director, NPA.
But we need more regular and quality feedback than WIP. If 30 high-profile cases are before the court, why don’t we know who they are?
We applaud you and your post state capture team – without you the poor in this country, in particular , would have no hope. Thank you. I say, without fear of contradiction, that the vast majority of South Africans support you and stand ready to help.
Details please: which 80 cases / 30 high-profile suspect? What has been the outcome of those court cases? What /whose assets worth R5bn have been frozen? How has collaboration with key partners (who are these) been strengthened? With whom has important political support been mobilised and what additional resources have been secured? Please analyse substantiating facts underpinning these statements.
Dear Adv Andrea Johnson
There is an article on NEW24 Website
SILENCED | ‘Don of Tembisa’ received millions in payments, bought Bantry Bay and Sandton mansions, will you consider Suo Moto cognizance and act immediately assisted by Asset Forfeiture Unit to seize properties of this DON!!!
More details please. Thirty high profile cases? Who? And a language point: surely all prosecutions are ‘impactful’, else what would be the point. Not sure what is meant.
Thank you for that. It is better to produce effective and unheralded results than glory cases.
The public, myself included, would love at least one high profile glory conviction periodically?
Keep moving forwards and upwards
You are so right Andrew. Give us one big success of one of the big fish and we will increase our belief and support in the much maligned justice system!
I think we all appreciate that you and your team have a tough job, mostly thankless and frustrating. But on reading the comments below and discussing the corruption around various braais, I think you would do well to communicate better and more often via a professional (but not too slick – i.e. NO BS) PR person.
That would free you to do your work with even greater support and thanks from an enlightened public who, as you acknowledge, are SOOO frustrated with the slow progress over so many years (long before your time but still).
I personally thank you and support your efforts. Keep it up! We need you and your team before anarchy takes over completely!