Learn from Ntlemeza fiasco

The Supreme Court of Appeal’s dismissal of Berning Ntlemeza's bid to challenge his removal as Hawks head will hopefully bring stability to the South African Police Service.

In April the Northern Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed Ntlemeza’s leave to appeal a previous order of the court that set aside his appointment.

In March, the court had found that then police minister Nathi Nhleko had ignored two court judgments, which found that Ntlemeza lacked integrity and honesty, when he appointed him as head of the Hawks. The court found that the findings in both judgments constituted “direct evidence” that Ntlemeza was not fit to hold public office.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has been at loggerheads with the defiant Ntlemeza since taking over the ministry after President Jacob Zuma’s midnight cabinet shuffle in March.

Ntlemeza reported for duty, despite a high court ruling that his appointment was invalid and should be set aside.

This irked Mbalula a great deal, prompting him to threaten to “bring down the full might of the law” on Ntlemeza.

Mbalula’s office issued a statement on Tuesday saying after this week’s court ruling, the SAPS will start processing Ntlemeza’s retirement with immediate effect.

He will be retired as a majorgeneral, a rank he held before his controversial appointment as Hawks head and promotion to lieutenant-general.

Mbalula said he was guided by the South African Police Act‚ which set the retirement age at 60.

Mabula said he hoped the finality of this matter would bring an end to factionalism within the ranks of the police.

Mbalula may celebrate winning the battle against Ntlemeza, but the country is far from winning the war if the political appointments of compromised people with questionable characters to top public office continue.

This practice has made a mockery of crucial institutions such as the South African Revenue Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and the parastatals.

When viewed against the bigger and more endemic problem, Ntlemeza’s retirement is not worth celebrating.