IDAC’s Investigations Head Matthews Sesoko Claims Andrea Johnson Limited His Powers After Kidnapping

• Matthews Sesoko has testified about his job before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 6 August 2026
• Sesoko is the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption's (IDAC) Head of Investigations and Operations
• Sesoko discussed how the structure had changed at IDAC after he returned to work following his kidnapping

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG - Matthews Sesoko, the National Head of Investigations and Operations at South Africa's Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), said that he effectively lost direct authority over two senior chief investigators following his kidnapping.

Sesoko, who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 6 August 2026, claimed that a strategic plan was implemented during his absence from work. Sesoko was kidnapped and assaulted in November 2025 and only returned to work in January 2026.

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He testified that before his kidnapping, Chief Investigators Dylan Perumal and Boy had reported to him; however, this changed upon his return.

Reporting lines shifted to Advocate Andrea Johnson

He explained that when he returned to work approximately two months later, he discovered that the organisational structure had been quietly reorganised. Both Perumal and Boy were required to report directly to Advocate Andrea Johnson rather than to him.

Sesoko also confirmed that Johnson, who is the former IDAC head, later issued him a delegation letter that limited his role to administrative matters such as approving leave and travel for the Chief Investigators.

Perumal's alleged influence over Johnson

Sesoko's testimony adds to an emerging pattern of evidence before the Commission about Perumal’s influence over Johnson.

Prosecutor Drushantha Ramsamy previously testified that Johnson frequently consulted Perumal before reversing or altering decisions, earning Johnson the nickname "Flip-Flop, Knee-Jerk" among IDAC staff. Ramsamy alleged that regardless of how rationally a decision had been reached, "it would then change according to what Mr Perumal wanted."

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Fadiel Adams opens case against Perumal

Briefly News also reported that Fadiel Adams decided to press criminal charges against IDAC investigator Dylan Perumal.

The Member of Parliament laid charges following alleged procedural failures during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

This unfolding drama not only raises questions about accountability within investigative bodies but also unveils a complex web of allegations.

Source: Briefly News