Advocate Johnson: Masemola should not have been jointly charged

Former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Head Advocate Andrea Johnson has conceded before the Madlanga Commission that suspended National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola should not have been joined with accused persons facing fraud and corruption charges, Masemola faces charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) tied to the alleged irregular awarding of an R228 million SAPS tender to Medicare 24. Johnson agreed that Masemola, who faces only charges under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), could be prejudiced by being tried alongside those accused of serious corruption offences. However, she rejected suggestions that prosecutors deliberately sought to embarrass or tarnish Masemola's reputation, insisting there was never any intention to portray him as complicit in fraud or corruption.