Retired judge to probe complaints involving the Hawks

Pretoria – Retired Judge Essa Moosa has been appointed to attend to complaints regarding the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa made the appointment in terms of section 17L of the South African Police Service Act which provides for a complaints mechanism in respect of the DPCI.

His appointment is effective immediately.

“A retired judge may be appointed by the Minister of Police, after consultation with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Chief Justice,” said spokesperson Zweli Mnisi on Thursday.

He said the function of the retired judge was to receive and investigate complaints from any member of the public who can provide evidence of a serious and unlawful infringement of his or her rights caused by an investigation by the DPCI.

The retired judge would also investigate complaints from any member of the DPCI who can provide evidence of any improper influence or interference whether of a political or any other nature exercised upon him or her regarding the conducting of an investigation.

“The appointment of retired Justice Moosa will contribute to ensuring that the DPCI executes its mandate in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.

Organised crime, serious economic and transnational crimes as well as corruption, undermine our democracy and have a negative impact on society. Government is continuously seeking to improve the quality of law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system as a whole.

“Through the DPCI Act we believe that this will further strengthen the investigative capacity of the directorate,” said Mnisi.

He said a communication strategy was also being developed to create public awareness about the role and functions of the retired judge relating to complaints against the DPCI, both within the SAPS and the public at large.

Justice Moosa was a judge of the High Court in the Western Cape. He has a strong human rights background, having previously practised as an attorney in Cape Town and represented many high profile political activists and organisations involved in the struggle for human rights and freedom during the apartheid era. – SAnews.gov.za