/ 6 July 2009

New crime-fighting unit dubbed the Hawks

South Africa's new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations -- dubbed the Hawks -- was launched Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Monday.

South Africa’s new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations — dubbed the Hawks — was launched Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Monday.

Anwa Dramat, the head of the unit, said it would focus on fighting organised crime and corruption as well as serious economic crimes.

He said 288 cases from the Scorpions — which the new unit replaces — would be transferred to the Hawks. Two hundred and twenty former members of the Scorpions would also be transferred to the new unit.

The African National Congress voted to dissolve the Scorpions at its conference in Polokwane in 2007. At the time the party felt the unit was employing Hollywood-style tactics in the way it carried out its investigations.

President Jacob Zuma was one of those in the unit’s sights while he faced corruption charges.

In spite of public petitions and several court challenges, legislation to enable the new unit was passed by members of Parliament. – Sapa