Andrea Johnson, head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), was rushed to hospital on 13 July 2026 after suffering a health emergency while travelling to testify before the Madlanga Commission, leading to immediate postponement of her evidence and criticism from Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga regarding the sick note provided to explain her absence.

Commission Postpones Testimony Following Medical Emergency

Advocate Apla Bodlani, speaking at the commission, confirmed that Johnson was hospitalised after falling ill en route to the proceedings. He stated, “Shortly before my arrival at the venue this morning, the representative of the client received a telephone call from one of Advocate Johnson’s protectors informing us that she is not able to be with us. They are rushing her to the hospital. I don’t know what happened.” The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) legal team subsequently submitted a sick note, booking Johnson off until Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

Sick Note Criticised, Ongoing Concerns Over Medical Certificates

Justice Madlanga reacted strongly to the documentation, describing the note as “useless” because it failed to provide specifics about Johnson’s condition. “Just saying ‘medical condition’ — that’s useless. It doesn’t assist us,” Madlanga remarked during the session. The commission has previously expressed similar concerns over vague medical certificates from witnesses, and has considered referring such cases to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for scrutiny. According to previous reporting, repeated disruptions caused by unclear or last-minute sick notes have delayed hearings and impacted the investigation into alleged misconduct within the NPA and related entities.

The commission’s next steps regarding Johnson’s testimony are expected to be announced after her medical status is confirmed and further information on her condition is provided by the NPA’s legal team.