Parliament commends Lebeya's appointment as head of Hawks

Friday, May 25, 2018

The Portfolio Committee on Police has welcomed the appointment of Godfrey Lebeya as the new head of the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks).

“General Lebeya is a good and considerate choice. We believe he has the necessary qualifications and experience to lead the Hawks in a new era, where corruption-busting will be the number one priority,” said committee chairperson Francois Beukman.

The former Deputy National Police Commissioner and head of Detective Services will take over from acting Hawks boss Yolisa Matakata, who was acting in the position since the firing of Berning Ntlemeza.

The committee believes that the new Hawks head will have to refocus the unit on transnational crime, the organised drug and illegal firearms trade, and crime syndicates in the economic sector.

Beukman said the amendment of the current South African Police Service (SAPS) Act is now critical because the Hawks should have a separate Budget Vote to strengthen its independence and effectiveness.

Beukman praised the good work done by Matakata over the last 18 months.

“We wish her well and trust that she will continue to contribute to the law enforcement community,” Beukman said. - SAnews.gov.za