
Pretoria – One of the Hawks’ own has been arrested – a 54-year-old senior officer accused of engaging in corrupt activities.
The officer was taken into custody by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly referred to as the Hawks, on Wednesday morning, (15 January 2025), and is expected to make an appearance in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court later today.
As per Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the senior officer is accused of attempting to influence a police investigating officer involved in a case concerning a Councillor in Limpopo.
“The officer, who is stationed at the Hawks’ Head Office, stands accused of trying to sway a police investigating officer associated with a case against a councillor in one of Limpopo’s districts,” Colonel Mogale commented.
The alleged event occurred on Tuesday, (14 January 2022), when the accused reportedly approached a fellow officer who was investigating the case and sought assistance in “helping” a councillor involved in a criminal inquiry.
It is claimed that the complainant overseeing the investigation was offered future tenders and perks in exchange for his help.
Additionally, the officer allegedly proposed to use his connections at the police’s Head Office to facilitate a promotion for the complainant in return for his compliance.
The matter was reported to the appropriate authorities and subsequently investigated, leading to the arrest of the senior officer.
“The Hawks are committed to upholding the law and maintaining the highest levels of integrity and accountability,” Colonel Mogale noted.
“No individual, regardless of their position or rank within the Directorate, will be allowed to undermine our core values or the trust placed in us by the public.
Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Hawks, reiterated that the arrest of a senior officer highlights the DPCI’s firm stance against corruption.
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya stated: “Corruption, in any form, will not be tolerated within our ranks, no matter the seniority or position of the person involved.
“The Hawks will continue to fight crime with the utmost integrity and professionalism, ensuring that anyone who breaches our ethical standards is held fully accountable under the law.”