IPID report clears Hawks bosses and Police Minister knew all along

26 February 2015

Note to editor: This is a member statement delivered by DA Shadow Minister of Police, Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, in the National Assembly this afternoon. 

The DA is in possession of the final Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report into the rendition of Zimbaweans in 2010. 

The final report, completed in March 2014, confirms that the National Hawks boss, Anwa Dramat, had no hand in the illegal rendition of Zimbabweans, stating: "no charges should be brought against Lt General Dramat and Major General Sibiya. The investigation established that there is no prima facie evidence against them."

Police Minister Nathi Nhleko therefore misled Parliament when he asked the Police Portfolio Committee on 29 January 2015 to institute proceedings to remove Dramat from office. Minister Nhleko justified his request by claiming that the IPID report had in fact implicated Dramat in the renditions. 

Given that IPID completed its final report in March 2014, Minister Nhleko must have known that Dramat had been cleared, but told Parliament otherwise.

Misleading Parliament is an offence that is potentially punishable by removal from office. 

As such I have written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Francois Beukman, demanding that the Committee refer this matter to the Powers and Privileges Committee. 

Minister Nhleko is, quite simply, not for fit for office and Parliament must not tolerate such contempt for it and the rule of law. Ultimately, Parliament must recommend that Minister Nhleko be fired.

Issued by the DA, March 26 2015

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