Mbalula withdraws appeal in Ntlemeza case

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has taken a decision to withdraw the appeal lodged at the Supreme Court of Appeal in the case brought by the Helen Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law.

The application for leave to appeal an earlier ruling made by the High Court in Pretoria was filed by Mbalula’s predecessor, Nathi Nhleko. The Pretoria ruling had set aside Nhleko’s decision to appoint Berning Ntlemeza as the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). The court had found that the decision to appoint Ntlemeza as head of the Hawks was “unlawful and irrational”.

The Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law had sought an order to enforce the judgment against Ntlemeza.

“The Minister of Police, will on Thursday, 13 April, meet with the top management of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and inform them of his decision.

“He will then hold a media briefing after his meeting in order to take the nation into its confidence regarding his decision,” said the Ministry of Police in a statement on Wednesday.

Mbalula has informed General Ntlemeza of this decision and asked for his observance, the ministry said.

-SAnews.gov.za