The Hawks. Picture: Bloemfontein Courant.
Despite having had to grapple with rogue elements within their ranks, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), better know as the Hawks will end the year smelling of roses, with experts saying their willingness to act against high-profile suspects somewhat helped restore the public’s trust in the country’s justice system. This year saw the Hawks bare their talons in a series of high-profile fraud and corruption cases involving senior leaders of the governing ANC, including its secretary general Ace Magashule, and other top government officials, mayors and businesspeople. Magashule was released on R200 000 bail by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s.