Hawks concerned about McBride remarks
The Hawks say they have noted "with concern" the views expressed by the IPID to the work of the elite crime fighting unit.
In a statement the Hawks say the Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Lt.Gen. Mthandazo Ntlemeza is concerned about public statements by IPID head Robert McBride and others.
"It is unfortunate that colleagues within the country's criminal justice system have resorted to communicating internal security matters using media interviews and information leaks," the statement says.
They say the Hawks do not conduct their investigations in the public but that recent statements by IPID have necessitated them to respond via the media.
ALSO READ: McBride describes charges against him as 'baseless'
"It is a matter of fact that the Hawks are indeed conducting several investigations which we cannot reveal into serious and sensitive cases against the Executive Director and his associates. Instead of seeking media and public sympathy, the IPID Executive Director should instead cooperate with the investigation," the Hawks says.
The elite crime fighting unit added that the cases against the Executive Director of IPID were not initiated by the Hawks but referred to them for further investigation.
"It is therefore unfounded that there is a plot against Executive Director led by the Minister of Police and Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, as he would want the public to believe," the Hawks says.