The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Andrea Johnson, who was interviewed late on Wednesday for the position of the country’s head of the prosecuting authority, explained how it came to be that suspended Ekurhuleni legal executive Kemi Behari was cited as a reference on her CV.

This came after Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who is heading the interview panel, questioned her about this.

The City of Ekurhuleni placed Behari on precautionary suspension with full remuneration for allegedly failing to take disciplinary action against now suspended Ekurhuleni police head, Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.

Johnson explained that she had sent her CV a while ago to the panel and Behari has been cited for some time as a reference. After his suspension, she chose not to remove his name because she knew that there would be questions about it.

Johnson said she chose to rather face the panel and explain the issue.

“I chose not to change his reference; otherwise, it looks like I have something to hide. He’s been a reference for a long time on my CV.”

Johnson said she called Behari after his suspension and told him that she had been nominated to apply for the NPA head position.

“I told him that I cannot have him as a reference on my CV, but I cannot change it at this point. I also asked for reasons for his suspension.”

Johnson said she told Behari that she was not judging him, but that she cannot have him on her CV.

“Unfortunately, I did judge my friend before he has been found guilty, but we agreed that because of the fact that he is suspended, we cannot talk again until the issues have been resolved… Perceptions do matter,” Johnson told the panel.

She explained that she has known Behari for most of her adult life and he is a good friend.

Johnson’s interview is still proceeding. Three more candidates are expected to be interviewed on Thursday, which include the controversial Advocate Menzi Simelane.

zelda.venter@inl.co.za

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