The Hawks, a unit which targets serious crime in the country, is currently operating with less than 50% workforce, despite being tasked with a number of ongoing high-level investigations.
This was revealed last Friday when the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Hawks, and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) briefed the National
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Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs about corruption cases within the local government sphere.
NFP Secretary-General Canaan Mdletshe expressed concern about the limited manpower and is calling on national government to accelerate the hiring of investigators.
‘The head of the unit said that, of the 5 332 staffers they were supposed to have, the Hawks was functioning with a 49.55% workforce,’ said Mdletshe.
‘This equates to an actual headcount of 2 642, with a deficit of 50.45% (2 690).’
He said that, of the 2 642 personnel, only 1 500 were investigating officers.
‘As things stand, the Hawks are investigating 121 corruption cases in municipalities across the country. And judging by the number of shortage of investigators, it is clear that corrupt individuals masquerading as municipal officials are likely to go unpunished,’ he continued.
‘If president Cyril Ramaphosa’s government is serious about fighting crime, they have to fill up all vacant positions within the Hawks.’
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