Ramaloko insisted that the Hawks did not raid the wrong house, waking Jennifer Peers, her nine-year-old daughter, and her baby son. Armed officers surrounded the house after breaking through the property’s gate and descending from a helicopter.
Several windows and doors were damaged as the men made their way into the house without providing Peers with an explanation.
Several news sources have reported that the raid was part of a nation-wide search and seizure operation following the year-long investigation of a gold and diamond smuggling syndicate with alleged links to international crime.
“We had a number of addresses we had to raid, including 28 residential and seven business addresses,” Ramaloko said.
In the course of the operation, which took place over four provinces, the Hawks recovered about R4 million in cash, suspected to be linked to illicit diamond trading, as well as elephant ivory, firearms, and diamonds.
Ramaloko maintained that the Green Street address of Peers’ house was correct because it matched the address on the search and seizure warrant, and suggested that the dramatic nature of the raid on the Peers house was due to a high wall and strong security, which necessitated a tactical approach.
He stressed that he was satisfied the Hawks acted as they should.
“We acknowledge that there was damage to the property, and that is being dealt with,” Ramaloko added.
Peers, meanwhile, confirmed that she has sought legal advice on the issue, but was unable to comment further.
