Hawks safe from political interference: Kemp

There is no threat that the Hawks will be subject to political interference, a full Bench of the Western Cape High Court heard.

Kemp J Kemp, for President Jacob Zuma, is completing his argument in a case brought by businessman Hugh Glenister and the Helen Suzman Foundation.

They argue that the SA Police Service Amendment Act, which was passed by Parliament last year, does not sufficiently insulate the Hawks from political interference.

The act gives the police minister the power to suspend the head of the directorate of priority crime investigations, more commonly known as the Hawks.

The minister can also dismiss the Hawks chief after an inquiry headed by a retired judge.

Kemp rejected this argument on Monday.

"We don't support the notion that, because the minister has these powers, that the head [of the Hawks] is in imminent threat of improper removal," Kemp told the court.