Johannesburg - Disgraced ex-Hawks head Major-General Berning Ntlemeza has come out guns blazing, denying claims he was set to retire from the South African Police Service.
His denial comes days after Police Minister Fikile Mbalula instructed SAPS to start processing Ntlemeza's retirement after the latter's bid to appeal a high court judgment nullifying his appoint as head of the Hawks was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).
Mbalula said he was guided by the South African Police Act which stipulates the retirement age is 60 years. Ntlemeza is 61 years old.
A defiant Ntlemeza however, on Friday denied he was set to retire, telling news channel ANN7 he was still active within SAPS as well as the Hawks.
"I did not retire, I'm still active within the police service and as head of the Hawks because my matter is before the court.
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"Until such time the court says Ntlemeza, everything is final for you," an angry Ntlemeza said.
He also denied receiving the SCA's court order, slamming Mbalula for rushing to inform the media before letting his legal team know of the court's decision.
A visibly agitated Ntlemeza told the news channel that the recent events had left him frustrated as a "general of this country".