Hawks back on trail of poachers
Hawks back on trail of poachers
October 15, 2014
EASTERN Cape police bosses have been forced to backtrack on a decision to exclude the Hawks from rhino poaching investigations.
On Monday, The Herald reported that the specialist organised crime unit had been ordered to withdraw from all rhino poaching cases as stock theft units would now investigate these matters.
But national police spokesman Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said yesterday this instruction – in a letter circulated by Eastern Cape detective head Brigadier Gary McLaren – was incorrect.
“… there is no withdrawal of the Hawks from investigations. The letter sent from the provincial detectives, giving directives on how matters previously investigated by the Hawks, will be withdrawn,” Makgale said.
“Our summation is that the letter [issued by McLaren's office] was based on a misunderstanding of a circular from national office. This matter, once a new and updated letter has been circulated [today], will be clarified.”
Last week, environmental authorities and rhino owners slammed the order handed down by McLaren’s office to revoke the Hawks’ authority to investigate rhino poaching. – Gareth Wilson