'Warrant of arrest will have to be issued for Ntlemeza'

Former Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza Picture: Ian Landsberg

Former Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza Picture: Ian Landsberg

Published Apr 24, 2017

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Police Minister Fikile Mbalula says a warrant of arrest will have to be issued for axed Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza after he took a Hawks car and cellphone.

Mbalula was addressing the media after reports emerged on Monday morning that Ntlemeza had sneaked back into the elite police unit's head offices in Pretoria.

Earlier this month, Mbalula said he had instructed acting national police commissioner Johannes Phahlane to recoup all state assets from Ntlemeza.

On Monday Mbalula said it was unlawful for Ntlemeza to return to work. Ntlemeza's appointment was nullified by the High Court in Pretoria.

"Ntlemeza is not defying me. Me and him can box in the street. This is not about me and him."

This month, the court ruled that its earlier finding that Ntlemeza was not a fit and proper person to lead the Hawks should come into immediate effect even though he has appealed the ruling.

Subsequently, Mbalula also withdrew the appeal lodged at the Supreme Court of Appeal against the finding that Ntlemeza's appointment was "irrational and unlawful".

Ntlemeza was appointed permanently to the position by former Police Minister Nathi Nhleko in September 2015, despite Judge Elias Matojane having found that the general "lacks integrity and honour" and had lied under oath.

Subsequently, the FUL and Helen Suzman Foundation brought arguments before the court saying Ntlemeza was not fit and proper to hold office – the court agreed with them.

Last month the court ruled that Ntlemeza lacks the requisite honesty, integrity and conscientiousness to occupy any public office, and declared his appointment invalid and unlawful. The then police minister Nhleko appealed the ruling.

African News Agency

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