Computers hacked, phones tapped - Hawks

TARGETED: Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza. Picture: Ian Landsberg

TARGETED: Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza. Picture: Ian Landsberg

Published Oct 2, 2016

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Johannesburg - Hawks officials say they believe the unit’s computers have been hacked and their phones tapped because “certain people want to know what will be our next move”.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the unit believed the “hackers” were not looking for officials but for the documents relating to the SA Revenue Service (Sars) rogue unit investigation.

He said the cybercrimes unit was investigating the matter.

Mulaudzi pointed out that there were several high-profile cases that were being investigated by the Hawks.

He also revealed that boss Berning Ntlemeza has been getting threatening and abusive e-mails from unknown people who are angry with their investigation into Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

He said unknown people started sending abusive e-mails from different e-mail addresses this year after it emerged that the Hawks were investigating Gordhan.

Mulaudzi said he and investigators have also been receiving threatening and intimidating texts from unknown people. Callers used derogatory words and told them to stay away from Gordhan, “or else we will come after you”.

Recent emails he had received read: “Hey, PHUQ-FACE, tell your ugly boss his days will be over very soon.”

There was also: “Start looking for a proper job, instead of propping up cases against Sars' officials.”

He said some of the emails were sent to Ntlemeza’s secretary.

Mulaudzi said during one of the phone calls a man yelled at him, saying: “Hey you fool, what do you thing (sic) you are doing? You are more corrupt. Tell your boss, we will come after him if he doesn't stop investigating Pravin.”

Mulaudzi said he had informed Ntlemeza about the abusive emails and the phone calls.

Mulaudzi said: “Ntlemeza knew that not all the people would like or agree with him when he took the job - he knew that some people would call him names.”

He said it had been difficult to trace the authors of the e-mails because once the email was sent, the email accounts were closed.

“We will not be intimidated by anyone from doing our job. It doesn't matter who you are, we have a job to do. This is what people must understand. There is nothing personal about this thing. People must give us space to do our job.”

He said the Hawks were a specialised unit dealing with all the cases that were referred to them by the SAPS.

Just days before Gordhan delivered his Budget speech in February this year, Ntlemeza sent him 27 questions relating to the controversial High-Risk Investigative Unit that was formed during his tenure as Sars commissioner.

The “rogue unit” was accused of having conducted illegal spying on taxpayers and politicians.

The investigation has led to a stand-off between Ntlemeza and Gordhan.

Last month, Gordhan was ordered to report to the Hawks offices over the allegations of the Sars rogue unit, but he refused.

Former Sars officials Ivan Pillay and Johann van Loggerenberg were also asked to present themselves to the Hawks offices in Pretoria. Former Sars commissioner Oupa Magashula was also summoned by the Hawks to make a statement.

The docket is now with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“Our job is to investigate. We don’t decide to charge; it’s the NPA that does that. We have concluded the investigations and handed over the docket to the NPA,” Mulaudzi added.

The Hawks have been criticised for their investigation into Gordhan, which has been described as politically driven.

It has also split the ANC down the middle with different factions supporting or condemning it.

Sunday Independent

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