Hawks told to explain burglary at building

HAWKS acting head Lieutenant-General Yolisa Matakata has been summoned by parliament’s portfolio committee on police to explain to MPs how a burglary could happen at what should be one of the most secure buildings in South Africa.

The Pretoria head office of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – the Hawks – was burgled on Tuesday evening.

Computers and hard drives were stolen‚ including material from its human resources department‚ finance and supply chain management.

The Hawks is concerned because its HR information is highly confidential as it contains members’ records.

The building area has access control – and there was no forced entry.

The break-in follows several security breaches at state institutions recently‚ including a burglary at the office of the chief justice.

“Parliament’s portfolio committee expresses its condemnation of the burglary and resolved to call Matakata to explain to MPs the circumstances under which this security breach occurred,” stunned committee chairman Francois Beukman said.

“The committee finds it difficult to comprehend how this burglary occurred in an office that has a responsibility to fight organised and serious crimes, the Hawks.

“There’s a lot at stake and the acting head must brief the committee about this serious breach‚” he said.