Johannesburg - The South African Policing Union (SAPU) on Monday called on Police Minister Nathi Nhleko to “show maturity and leadership by swallowing his pride” and reversing the appointment of Lieutenant-General Mthandazo Ntlemeza as the Head of the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation - commonly known as the Hawks.
In a statement, SAPU said the minister failed to follow procedure in appointing the Hawks boss in that he did not notify the National Assembly within the prescribed period of time.
“The Minister is called upon to just reverse this controversial appointment,” said SAPU.
“We are on record as voicing our opposition to Ntlemeza’s initial appointment from the day the Minister appointed him in an acting capacity. He was never the best candidate to lead an elite unit like the Hawks.”
The police union said Ntlemeza’s poor record was well documented.
“Our opposition to his appointment is not a personal vendetta. We are only concerned about service delivery as mediocrity will cost the police the respect they deserve. Already the Hawks record is a far cry from what is expected of them,” said the statement issued by Oscar Skommere, SAPU General Secretary.
“A mature leader is the one who acknowledges his mistakes and own them. This is an opportune time for the minister to rectify his initial shortcoming by appointing such a poor commander to lead a vital security organ like the Hawks.
“General Ntlemeza has been a laughing stock of our time. He doesn’t command any respect, even amongst the Hawks ranks, let alone the criminals.
“The fact that Ntlemeza’s appointment is irregular, it can be legally challenged and the Hawks cannot afford to have a poor commander.”
Both Nhleko and Ntlemeza could not immediately be reached for comment.
African News Agency