JOHANNESBURG - The Madlanga Commission has been forced to postpone the testimony of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson.
A medical certificate submitted to the Commission states that Johnson has been booked off sick from 13 to 15 July 2026.
Her lawyers submitted a sick note on her behalf, but Inquiry Chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga dismissed it as 'useless', arguing that it gives no information whatsoever.
Crime trends expert Thabang Bogopa said it is not the first time the commission has raised its concern around the issue of medical certificates.
READ | Madlanga Commission to scrutinise Andrea Johnson's sick note
He said the commission has the power to request medical records or subpoena the medical practitioner, but it is able to balance the interests of justice to ascertain issues with a patient’s right to medical confidentiality.
This, he said, is because such repeated actions can weaken the entire credibility process, because they know the likelihood of taking the matter forward is limited.
“It is within the Commission's rights to request medical records or subpoena medical practitioners, but I think it will likely have to be in camera and not be publicised,”
If the commission takes this route, then the key to the process is transparency.
Bogopa said, “It will be grossly important for the public, that the Commission goes to an extent of ascertaining certain facts. They do not accept anything just at face value."
The Madlanga Commission is expected to scrutinise Johnson's medical certificate submitted by
Her testimony has been postponed to a date yet to be determined.