Pretoria – A senior officer from the Hawks has been arrested – a 54-year-old 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 appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court later today.
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the officer is accused of trying to influence a police investigating officer involved in a case concerning a Councillor in Limpopo.
“The officer, who works at the Hawks’ Head Office, allegedly attempted to sway a police investigator linked to a case against a councillor in one of the Limpopo regions,” stated Colonel Mogale.
The purported incident occurred on Tuesday, (14 January 2022), when the accused allegedly approached another officer who was investigating the case and sought help in “assisting” a councillor involved in a criminal matter.
It is claimed that the complainant, who was managing the investigation, was offered future tenders and favors in exchange for support.
Moreover, the officer purportedly promised to use his connections at the police’s Head Office to facilitate a promotion for the complainant in return for his cooperation.
The matter was reported to the appropriate authorities and was thoroughly investigated, leading to the arrest of the senior officer.
“The Hawks remain committed to upholding the law and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” commented Colonel Mogale.
“No one, regardless of their role or rank in 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, stressed 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 accepted within our ranks, no matter the seniority or role of the person involved.
“The Hawks will continue to fight crime with the utmost integrity and professionalism, ensuring that anyone who violates our ethical standards is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
