New crime unit head has case against him

THE Eastern Cape provincial police’s new Commercial Crime Unit head was hired despite having a pending criminal case against him.

Brigadier Tony Perumal, who was appointed to the post in the Zwelitsha provincial police head office this week, is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for obstruction, interference and unlawful arrest.

The matter arose during intra-Hawks wrangles where Perumal served as a member of its anti-corruption task team.

The case was opened by Hawks detective Captain Luphumlo Lwana against Perumal and an unnamed officer after the two allegedly physically removed Lwana from a court session where ANC Amathole district municipality regional secretary Terris Ntutu was appearing.

The incident happened after Lwana declined to let go of the case, despite being taken off it and his dockets being confiscated.

Perumal was one of two high-ranking officers to be hired this week by the Eastern Cape SAPS after Brigadier Dan Bohata was appointed as the provincial head of detectives.

Their new roles were effective from February 1.

Deputy provincial commissioner of human resources management, Major-General Nomalady Dlani, pinned golden stars on the shoulders of the two in a special meeting held to confer the new ranks.

“It is good that critical posts are being filled,” Dlani said.

Eastern Cape provincial police spokeswoman Colonel Sibongile Soci said: “Brigadier Perumal was invited for interviews with all other candidates.

“He was recommended as a suitable candidate for the position.”