Johnson, 56, and Khan, 56, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court, where they face charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and defeating the administration of justice. Johnson faces an additional charge of contravening the National Prosecuting Authority Act 23 of 1998, while the assault charge against her relates to being an accessory after the fact.

NPA national spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said between 1 April 2018 and 1 April 2019, Johnson was employed by the NPA as deputy director of public prosecutions at the Pretoria director of public prosecutions office.

During the same period, Khan was employed by the police as a major general attached to Crime Intelligence and stationed at the Erasmuskloof Crime Intelligence offices in Pretoria.

Former head of Idac, Andrea Johnson, and former deputy head of crime intelligence within the police services, Feroz Khan. Photo supplied

Kganyago said the charges stem from an alleged assault involving Khan and his junior colleague, police crime intelligence employee Brig. Phethle, in June 2018.

“It is alleged that on 26 June 2018, Khan had a serious argument with his junior, crime intelligence female employee, Brig. Phethle. This argument led to a physical confrontation where Khan allegedly attacked the victim with a pen by stabbing her and further hit her with his hands and a paper file. The assault allegedly led to the victim sustaining injuries in her face and chest area.”

The victim subsequently reported the matter to police in June 2018. However, Khan allegedly submitted a warning statement to the investigating officer on 5 July 2018, before the case docket was submitted to the NPA for guidance and a decision. This prompted an investigation into how Khan was able to submit the warning statement before the NPA had received the docket.

Investigations allegedly revealed that Johnson, without the permission of the national director of public prosecutions, disclosed information to Khan, with the two allegedly acting in common purpose to hinder his prosecution. Following investigations by the Commission's Recommendation Task Team, the two were arrested.

The state did not oppose their release on bail, as they were not considered flight risks and their residential addresses had been confirmed. Both were granted bail of R10,000 each.

As part of her bail conditions, Johnson was ordered to hand over her passport to the investigating officer by 4 November. The matter was postponed to 2 February for further investigations.

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