Parliament, Friday, 17 March 2017 – The Portfolio Committee on Police has taken note of today’s North Gauteng High Court judgement on the appointment of the Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks), Mr Berning Ntlemeza, and will apply for a special Committee meeting to discuss the matter.   

“We will obviously study the judgement, but have in the meantime resolved to ensure that we today apply for a special Portfolio Committee meeting, which will be held during the recess period on Friday, 7 April 2017, to discuss the matter in detail,” said Committee Chairperson Mr Francois Beukman.

The Committee will be calling the Minister of Police to this meeting to explain what remedial steps will be taken in dealing with this ruling, as well as plans to address deficiencies in the appointment process

The Committee said this following the North Gauteng High Court’s ruling that declared as unlawful and invalid the decision to appoint Mr Ntlemeza as head of the Hawks. Freedom Under Law and the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) had applied to have Mr Ntlemeza’s appointment declared irrational and unlawful, and set aside.

Mr Beukman further said that it was imperative for the executive authority and the appointing authority to deal with the matter at hand as a matter of priority. “It is critical that the matter is addressed as a matter of priority, as we cannot allow a vacuum in the leadership of the DPCI,” said Mr Beukman.  

The fight against organised crime is critical because it affects the lives of all South Africans. The Committee will closely monitor further developments, in this regard. 

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR FRANCOIS BEUKMAN 

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