Pretoria – A senior officer from the Hawks, aged 54, has been detained on allegations of corrupt practices.

The officer was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, on Wednesday morning, (15 January 2025), and is expected to appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court later today.

According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the senior officer is accused of attempting to influence a police investigation officer involved in a case related to a Councillor in Limpopo.

“The officer, who works at the Hawks’ Head Office, is accused of trying to sway a police investigator connected to a case against a councillor in one of the regions of Limpopo,” Colonel Mogale explained.

The alleged incident occurred on Tuesday, (14 January 2022), when the accused reportedly approached a colleague investigating the matter and sought help in “assisting” a councillor caught up in a criminal investigation.

It is claimed that the complainant, who was supervising the investigation, was promised future tenders and favors in exchange for his assistance.

Furthermore, the officer allegedly offered to use his connections at the police’s Head Office to secure a promotion for the complainant in return for his cooperation.

This situation was reported to the appropriate authorities, leading to an investigation and the subsequent arrest of the senior officer.

“The Hawks are committed to upholding the law and maintaining the utmost standards of integrity and accountability,” Colonel Mogale stated.

“No individual, regardless of their role or rank within the Directorate, will be allowed to undermine our core values or the trust granted to us by the public.

Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Hawks, stressed that the arrest of a senior officer highlights the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to fighting against corruption.

Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya asserted: “Corruption, in any form, will not be tolerated within our ranks, no matter the individual’s seniority or position.

“The Hawks will continue to combat crime with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, ensuring that anyone who breaches our ethical standards is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”