Mbalula orders former Hawks boss Ntlemeza to vacate his office immediately

Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula has given former Hawks boss Berning Ntlemeza a strict instruction to vacate the office immediately as he was ordered to do by a court.

This follows a unanimous decision of a full bench in the High Court in Pretoria‚ which reviewed and set aside Ntlemeza’s appointment as head of the Hawks.

Mbalula’s order comes amid reports that Ntlemeza is refusing to vacate his office and insisting that he will report for work on Tuesday morning.

• Fikile Mbalula praised for following legal advice‚ replacing NtlemezaPraise has followed the decision to remove Hawks boss Berning Ntlemeza with immediate effect. 

City Press on Sunday quoted Ntlemeza as saying he remains in charge and that only Parliament can remove him. He also said he intended in his own capacity to appeal against the High Court decision.

Lobby groups the Helen Suzman Foundation and Freedom Under Law‚ had argued that he was not fit and proper to hold office.

Judge Elias Matojane ruled in 2015 that Ntlemeza was dishonest and lacked integrity and honour because he tried to mislead the court.

• ‘Stop your nonsense’ - Mbalula orders IPID and SAPS bossesPolice minister Fikile Mbalula has a definitive message for warring national police commissioner‚ Khomotso Phahlane‚ and Independent Police Investigative Directorate head‚ Robert McBride: stop your nonsense and get on with your jobs. 

"He must just vacate in peace‚ he doesn't need the drama. He's an old man so he must go home‚ relax and look after his children.

"This is not the Bold and the Beautiful‚ if he understands the law properly he will understand his place. He doesn't have to write to me‚ he and his lawyers must write to the court. If they are well educated and not illiterate in terms of the law‚ they will understand that they don't have to write to me‚" said Mbalula.

Mbalula was speaking at the Soshanguve police station north of Tshwane on Sunday‚ following the killing of a police officer and the wounding of another in an attack in Soshanguve‚ on Friday.

The minster urged Ntlemeza to respect the rule of law as he was only implementing a court decision.