Questions surround motive of Hawks head's suspension
The Hawks denied any accusations that officials loyal to Anwa Dramat are being targeted or have been moved.
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance in Parliament says Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko must reveal if he appointed the acting head of the Hawks in order to purge allies of suspended boss Anwa Dramat.
The unit's acting head Mthandazo Ntlemeza was appointed by Nhleko following Dramat's suspension.
The minister has been asked appear before Parliament's Police Portfolio Committee later this month to explain what's happening inside the elite unit.
So far, Dramat and section head in Gauteng Leslie Maluleke have been suspended, while the heads of integrity and finance have both reportedly been shifted to new positions.
The Hawks have denied any accusations that officials loyal to Dramat are being targeted or have been moved.
The DA's Shadow Minister of Police, Dianne Kohler-Barnard said, "The committee must also investigate whether the minister has appointed an acting Hawks head and if it's not him then who is pulling the strings?"
SHADRACK SIBIYA'S HAWKS BATTLE TAKES DRAMATIC TURN
The battle by Gauteng head of the Hawks Shadrack Sibiya to remain in his position has taken another dramatic turn.
Last night, the elite crime-fighting unit withdrew its notice of suspension against him as he prepared to challenge it in court.
Sibiya was allegedly implicated in the illegal rendition of Zimbabweans in 2010 and this week secured an interdict against his suspension because he did not have the details of what he's accused of.
His notice of suspension was issued in connection with the same illegal rendition case Dramat was taken off duty for but both Hawks officials insist they have been cleared.
This is based on an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
Ipid's report has not yet been fully disclosed to the public and the Helen Suzman Foundation says it must be tabled in court tomorrow to provide clarity around speculation of political meddling.
Ntlemeza is due to make a decision on Maluleke's suspension this week.
