By: Saneliso Mlambo
State Advocate Drushantha Ramsamy returned to the witness stand at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday to continue her testimony on allegations of internal manipulation within the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
Before proceeding with fresh evidence on Wednesday, Ramsamy asked to explain the reactions that had attracted criticism on social media and within her workplace. She addressed criticism over smiling and laughing during her previous appearance, saying it was her way of coping with the emotional toll of recounting painful events.
“I’ve reached a point emotionally where I would rather laugh or smile at the circumstances, as serious as it is, than cry,” Ramsamy told the Commission. She said she did not want to appear as a victim while assisting the Commission in uncovering the truth. Instead, she chose to remain composed, even when discussing deeply emotional events.
Ramsamy said she was aware that some people believed she had been vindictive or was enjoying the downfall of others. She rejected those claims, explaining that when she recounted certain incidents, she also remembered the circumstances surrounding them, causing her to smile or laugh instead of breaking down emotionally.
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga said he personally did not believe Ramsamy owed anyone an explanation. However, he said his fellow commissioners felt she should be allowed to address the issue before continuing with her evidence.
“I’m not on social media, but people do share what’s out there with me,” Madlanga said. “Sometimes I’ll see nasty things said about me. I don’t care. If you were to care about those all the time, you would go mad.”
Madlanga assured Ramsamy that, from the Commission’s perspective, she had done nothing wrong.
“I don’t think there’s anything to forgive,” he said. “From where we are sitting, we see you’ve not done anything wrong.”
He added that those who believed Ramsamy had acted inappropriately had now heard her explanation and expressed hope they would accept it.
The Commission is investigating allegations of corruption, misconduct and interference within law enforcement agencies. During her earlier testimony, Ramsamy made explosive claims about the handling of investigations inside IDAC, prompting intense public debate.