Intelligence-trained cop appointed to senior Hawks post

Yolisa Matakata has been appointed Deputy National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation‚ the Hawks. Her promotion carries the rank of Lieutenant General.

Matakata‚ formerly head of the Hawks in the Western Cape with the rank of Major General‚ was previously in the limelight with news reports that a shady businessman had allegedly tried to bribe her‚ unsuccessfully‚ with R1‚000 to stop an investigation into his activities.

The SAPS said Matakata has held several crucial positions in the South African Police Service since her enlistment in 1995. She has worked in the Crime Intelligence for 15 years and became the provincial head of the same division in the Western Cape in 2008.

Soon after receiving the “Mentoring Award” from the International Women in Police Association [IWAP] in 2010‚ the police statement said Matakata was appointed the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape.

She is the Champion for Narcotics in the Directorate and holds a bachelor degree in Administration among other certificates.

National Head of the Hawks‚ Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza‚ said Matakata’s experience would add value in the directorate’s quest to curb organised crime‚ corruption and serious commercial crime.

“I wish her the best of luck in her new appointment and I know she has what it takes to bring the difference and in the DPCI and her presence will surely strengthen the team. Her 20 years’ experience in the service will come in very handy‚” said Ntlemeza.