FRANNY RABKIN: Twists, turns and untruths in battle over Hawks post
One of SA's most powerful law enforcers, Mthandazo Berning Ntlemeza, was mired in litigation and labelled unrelibable and a liar by a high court judge
MTHANDAZO Berning Ntlemeza’s rise to become one of SA’s most powerful law enforcers did not get off to an auspicious start. Before he was permanently appointed to head up the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation — called the Hawks — he was mired in litigation. This was because the former little-known deputy provincial police commissioner in Limpopo was made acting Hawks head following the dramatic suspension of his predecessor, Anwa Dramat. When Dramat stepped down as Hawks head in 2015, he said in court papers the reason for his (illegal) suspension by Police Minister Nathi Nhleko was a smokescreen. Nhleko had alleged that Dramat had a hand in the unlawful rendition of Zimbabwean fugitives, two of whom had been killed on their return to Zimbabwe. But Dramat claimed he was being axed because of high-level investigations he had been overseeing. So it was inevitable that anyone replacing Dramat would be regarded with suspicion. It was made worse by claims made by Gauteng Hawks...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.