Hawks boss in church after ‘unfit’ decision

Asks members to pray for the police and against police killings

HAWKS boss General Berning Ntlemeza yesterday remained tight-lipped on a court’s decision to declare him unfit for office.

Instead, the head of the Directorate for Priority Crime took to Katlehong where he joined congregants at the Incredible Happenings Ministry for a Sunday morning service in which hands were laid on him and he was prayed for.

The church is run by controversial Prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng.

Before taking to the podium, Ntlemeza sat quietly and listened to the sermon by Motsoeneng, as well as details of a handful of criminal cases related by some congregants.

Later on, the jovial Hawks general joked he didn’t know who informed the media about his visit to the church. He highlighted that there was nothing sinister about his visit to the place of worship.

“We never planned this yesterday. We planned it long ago,” he said.

Speaking mostly in Xhosa, Ntlemeza spoke to journalists, saying they too faced challenges and he understood that they had to write stories. But he said he hoped after his visit to the church and the prayers that they would not visit his offices without purpose, but that they would bring substantial information.

Ntlemeza also addressed the church, saying members of the community had to assist the police in tackling crime.

“Those who possess illegal firearms must hand them in… Their days are numbered,” he said.

He also urged the church to pray for the police and against police killings, adding law officials too are human beings and have families.

“The Hawks will go on to do their work and deal with the mandate given to them. Let’s support them as loving people of this country. Unless we are all criminals. I believe there is no criminal in church.”