Police from the crime intelligence unit raided the offices of the Public Protector on Thursday morning.
National police Commissioner Bheki Cele’s office said they were unaware of the action and referred all enquiries to the Hawks.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela recently found Cele guilty of improper conduct and maladministration after an investigation into the R500 million lease for police headquarters in Pretoria.
Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela confirmed reports of the raid by members of the crime intelligence unit.
“We condemn the raid because we didn’t sanction it. We will be conducting a full investigation into the raid,” said Polela.
Cele has shunted the blame for the controversial lease to the Public Works Department who were also found guilty of maladministration and improper conduct in signing the lease with property mogul Roux Shabangu.
Madonsela said further that Cele had breached the constitution, the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury regulations and supply chain management rules and policies.
She has asked national treasury to look at ways to cancel the lease, which her office declared invalid.
‘The Public Protector’s report was recently before cabinet with Minister of Justice Jeff Radebe tasked with deciding on government action on her recommendations. - The Star