By Akani Nkuna
The Democratic Alliance is calling on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to investigate the appointment of Hawks divisional commissioner Major-General Patrick Mbotho following allegations of misconduct and criminality against him.
“Mbotho’s appointment is nothing less than an insult to our nation’s commitment to building a professional, competent and clean law enforcement community,” DA police spokesperson Lisa Schickerling said on Monday.
Mbotho’s appointment was subject to debate last week in the Portfolio Committee on Police, with committee members raising questions about his integrity and appointment.
Mbotho is facing serious allegations, including ties to organised crime and sharing explicit content with colleagues on a detectives’ WhatsApp group during his tenure as head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
“Mbotho’s appointment stains our nation’s dedication in protecting women and children and the combating of organised crime. His placement in such a critical position, in light of these allegations, erodes public trust in our law enforcement agencies,” said Schickerling.
The DA also said it was concerned about Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya’s defence and justification of Mbotho’s appointment.
“What Lebeya failed to address was how it could conceivably be acceptable to appoint an officer to senior status in the Hawks when his integrity is so seriously in question,” Schickerling added.
The committee heard last week that stringent processes were followed in Mbotho’s appointment.
The DA further communicated its concerns that despite being a controversial figure, Mbotho was parachuted to crucial senior positions with great benefits.
Schickerling demanded that his appointment be rescinded and a thorough investigation into his appointment process and the multiple allegations be investigated.
INSIDE POLITICS
