Mashaba requests IPID to investigate Hawks head
Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba has requested the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to investigate allegations of abuse of power and defeating the ends of justice by Hawks boss Berning Ntlemeza.
Mashaba said he met with Executive Director of IPID on Monday.
"This follows serious allegations being brought forward of Major-General Ntlemeza interfering in criminal investigations reported by the city. This includes an instruction made to all members involved in such investigations to no longer pursue such cases, nor arrest suspects," said Mashaba.
Mashaba said there were also allegations of threats of surveillance and monitoring made against members.
The mayor said he had no choice but to approach IPID, because he could not allow political interests to interfere in the fight against corruption in the City of Joburg.
"In the interests of inter-governmental relations, I have also forwarded a copy of the complaint to the Minister of Police, Mr Fikile Mbalula, and the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Ms Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, notifying them of this matter," said Mashaba.
Mashaba added that allegations of interference were backed up by the number of cases where investigations were completed, but no further action has been taken, whilst in other cases warrants of arrests have been obtained, but not executed.
"In order to successfully address the crimes committed against the City, it is imperative that a sound working relationship with SAPS, DPCI (Hawks) and other law enforcement agencies, including National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is promoted and maintained at all times."