Hawks head keeps mum on own woes
MAJOR-GENERAL Berning Ntlemeza has preached the gospel of community involvement to improve policing and halt officer killings‚ but the embattled Hawks head has steered clear of talking about his own troubles.
Yesterday, Ntlemeza made his first public appearance since the Pretoria High Court on Friday declared his appointment as head of the Hawks invalid.
He was a guest at the Incredible Happenings Church in Katlehong‚ where he urged communities to continue to pray for the police.
Ntlemeza thanked Prophet Paseka Motsoeneng‚ better known as Pastor Mboro‚ for his work in making communities safer.
“The killing of police is going to stop . . . because I can see churches in South Africa are praying for the police‚ and they must keep it up‚” Ntlemeza said.
“Our coming here is part of a campaign to talk to the believers. Unlike criminals‚ you love our message and we love talking to you.
“The people of this country want justice‚ and as I stand here‚ I am part of the people.”
Motsoeneng said Ntlemeza was “unbreakable” because he was a man of faith.
“I’m saying to you‚ my general‚ you are unbreakable‚ you are indisputable‚ you are uncorruptable‚ you are unmoveable‚” he said.
“Even if a court says it is over‚ God can resurrect you to a higher role. You will reach your destination. It is not over. It is just beginning . . . God’s will is for the best. What you have done you will continue doing‚ changing lives.”
Ntlemeza was appointed head of the Hawks in December 2014 by Police Minister Nathi Nhleko.
The Helen Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law had brought an application for his appointment to be declared irrational and unlawful and to be set aside.
In March 2015, high court Judge Elias Matojane ruled that Ntlemeza “lacks integrity and honour” and had made false statements under oath.
He was acting Hawks head at the time.