South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) national head Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya has expressed disappointment at the involvement of officers from the directorate in criminal activities.

This comes after two officers from the DPCI, known more by its code name, Hawks, Lt-Col and a captain working at supply chain management were on Friday arrested by the Hawks’ National Priority for Violent Crimes and Tactical Operations Management Section.

Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, in a statement said: “Information about a lieutenant-colonel who intended to supply SAPS ammunition to a traditional healer was received, which culminated in a sting operation being conducted.”

She said the 43-year-old female traditional healer was subsequently arrested at her place of residence in Soshanguve on Friday after an exchange was made.

“She was charged with illegal possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property following the seizure of other items suspected to belong to the state,” said Mbambo.

She said further investigation led to the arrest of a female lieutenant-colonel, who was subsequently charged with theft and dealing in ammunition whilst the female captain was arrested and charged with defeating the ends of justice after it was discovered that she tried to conceal evidence in this matter.

The traditional healer appeared in the Pretoria North magistrates’ court whilst the two members were arraigned in the Pretoria Central magistrate’s court on Tuesday.

“We expect all our members to be beyond reproach and will ensure that the alleged culprits face the full might of the law. We shall continue to act without fear or favour regardless of the status of those who transgress the law,” said Lt-Gen Lebeya.

• A Tell report