Police minister to appeal Ntlemeza ruling
Police minister Nathi Nhleko will appeal Friday's ruling by the North Gauteng High Court, which declared the 2015 appointment of the head of Hawks Berning Ntlemeza unlawful.
According to the police ministry's Sandile Ngidi, the minister feels the law should be allowed to take its course.
"The minister is indeed appealing the decision on Friday for the appointment of Ntlemeza to be set aside. He is doing this in the best interest of justice," Ngidi says.
He adds that the judgement did not take into consideration certain issues. This will now form the basis of the appeal.
"All the rights have to be respected - including the rights of Ntlemeza. He must be afforded an opportunity to clear his name," Ngidi says.
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Ngidi says the ministry feels Ntlemeza should have been given an opportunity to explain himself.
The Helen Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law challenged Ntlemeza's appointment, arguing that it was irrational since two judges had found that Ntlemeza was biased, dishonest and lacked integrity.