NPA investigating unit head asked to explain CV reference tainted at Madlanga Commission

The head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s investigating unit has been asked to explain a reference listed on her CV that’s been tainted at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system.

Advocate Andrea Johnson was one of three candidates interviewed on Wednesday for the position of NPA head.

ALSO READ: Complaint against NPA head candidate Andrea Johnson escalated to ethics office

Six candidates are being interviewed to take over from Advocate Shamila Batohi, as her term comes to an end in January.

The panel’s chair, Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi, pointed out that suspended Ekurhuleni head of legal Advocate Kemi Behari is listed as a reference on Johnson’s CV.

Behariwas suspended last week for his alleged involvement in the metro's police blue lights scandal and for allegedly shielding suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

Johnson told the panel that once she learned of Behari’s suspension, she removed him from her CV, but her documents were already before the panel.

“It had been such an old reference. I think, even if I were to print CVs from prior, him and the other reference had always been there. The suspension happened after the nomination and CV submission, but I did tell him I have to remove him, and we also agreed that, given the allegations that are made, given his suspension, although we hadn't talked for months, we will not be able to talk at all until his issues are resolved.”