First it was the Scorpions and now the Hawks are watching

By Khanyisa Tabata
07 July 2009


Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa and Anwa Dramat new boss of the Hawks yesterday announced the crime fighting unity that will replace the Scorpions.

The Hawks replaces the Scorpions that were disbanded in February of 2009. Mthethwa made his big announcement in Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

I hereby formally launch the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, the Hawks, to seek, to find and to succeed. In choosing this name, the focus is on the ability of these birds to have an eye for detail and also to see from afar, Mthethwa was quoted.

Mthethwa was also quoted as saying they are expecting the unit to focus on the activities of crimes and destroy them and their evil networks here in South Africa and all over the world.

The new boss of the unity Anwa Dramat is reported to have said the unity will focus on three key areas, the fighting of organised crime, illegal narcotics and a “serious economic crimes”.

It is reported that Dramat added that 1700 candidates, drawn from the Commercial Crimes Unit, the Organised Crime Unit and the Hi-tech Centre, have already undergone a screening selection process.

In about 12 months, the screening of about 3000 candidates will have to be completed to grow the structure.
The Hawks will report to National Police Commissioner and now they have been handed 288 cases that were being investigated by the Scorpions it has been reported.