Tshwane – Police Minister Fikile Mbalula on Thursday announced the appointment of Lieutenant-General Yolisa Matakata as the new acting national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), popularly known as the Hawks.
“On April 12, I the minister of police took a decision to withdraw the appeal lodged at the Supreme Court of Appeal, on the case brought by Helen Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law (FUL). This means I must give effect to the [High Court]order of March 17 and set aside General [Berning] Ntlemeza’s appointment,” Mbalula told a press briefing in Pretoria.
“My responsibility is to work in the interest of South Africans, to guard against wasteful and irregular expenditure. I believe this case lacked [any] prospect of success on appeal. This case had the mission of the DPCI, and created a bad impression to the public.”
Mbalula said in an effort to bring stability to the elite crime fighting police unit, a permanent head will be appointed over the Hawks.
“Drawing from the said provision [Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act, 1995]and in light of of the vacancy created as a result of yesterday’s ruling, it is my honour and privilege to introduce to you the acting national head of the DPCI, Lieutenant-General Matakata,” said Mbalula.
“However, within the short space of time, I will be appointing a permanent head of DPCI.”
Ntlemeza’s appointment was nullified by the High Court in Pretoria.
On Wednesday 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.
Mbalula, who was recently appointed police minister, on Wednesday also withdraw the appeal lodged at the Supreme Court of Appeal against the finding that Ntlemeza’s appointment was “irrational and unlawful”.
On Wednesday the court said its findings must be acted on immediately – meaning Ntlemeza ceased to be head of the Hawks.
Mbalula has already informed Ntlemeza of this decision and asked for his observance.
The #Hawks should deal with the person who reshuffled the cabinet 1st.
— DWTW! (@ScHoolBoy_Mizzy) April 13, 2017
Dear #Mbalula
It is now your duty to find Senzo Meyiwa's killers.
Kind regards: pic.twitter.com/W8FX1RqdZ4
— Sam (@SpokenSam) April 4, 2017
If you're still riding on Zuma's ship is time to jump😉 political atmosphere is changing very fast👊be warned #Hawks #MKCouncil
— ZUMAMUSTFOKOF (@mphidie) April 13, 2017
Don't get too excited, Matakata was part of the panel that selected #Ntlemeza with all his baggage to head the #Hawks
— Papi (@TheKingPapi) April 13, 2017
@MsRaborife @News24 Mbalula is a good leader but can be a clown at times #Hawks
— Vincent (@MluuVincee) April 13, 2017 African News Agency