PRETORIA - Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy has defended her testimony and demeanour at the Madlanga Commission, saying she was not “vindictive” and did not take pleasure in seeing the “downfall” of her former boss, Andrea Johnson.
Ramsamy returned to the witness stand on Tuesday morning and began her testimony by addressing comments on social media about her demeanour while testifying last week.
She said she had reached a point where she preferred to smile or laugh when confronted with difficult circumstances rather than become emotional.
Ramsamy said:
“I’ve reached a point emotionally where I would rather laugh or smile at circumstances as serious as this than cry."
“I don’t want to seem like I’m a victim by crying while I’m trying to assist in their findings. I do ask for understanding that it has been a very tough road and I’m choosing not to be emotional. If I do smile or laugh under certain circumstances, please forgive me.”
Ramsamy said her reactions were linked to the memories and circumstances surrounding the events she was recounting.
READ | 'A straight lie': Ramsamy tells Madlanga on Andrea Johnson's testimony
“When I speak about certain things, I remember the circumstances under which it was said. I try to rather laugh about it than cry about it,” she said.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga told Ramsamy she had no reason to apologise or justify her demeanour.
“I don’t think there’s anything to forgive. You have not done anything wrong,” Madlanga said.
Addressing the social media criticism, Madlanga said public commentary was difficult to satisfy.
“My sense is that you can never win. Even where comments are predominantly positive, there will be a few negative comments. If you let those get to you, then you are in trouble,” he said.