BOOK REVIEW: Piercing the veil of South Africa’s Hawks

Graham Coetzer’s journey into the heart of the Hawks' operations was driven by a desire to interrogate and understand, then share the gripping reality of these law enforcers.

The Directorate of Priority Crimes, better known as The Hawks, were founded in 2008 by former President Jacon Zuma to replace the Scorpions, which he disbanded. Throughout the past decade and a half, the unit was often criticised by the media and opposition parties as being dedicated henchmen for the former leader of the ANC and National Assembly. Coetzer said that it is not the rule.

The author spent months researching the book and, as he said, it was a substantial undertaking to travel to Hawks offices nationwide, gathering material. “Getting all the permissions in place was probably one of the hardest parts behind the scenes,” Coetzer said. It was a test of his perseverance to gain the necessary access to bring these stories to light, but as an investigative journalist first and foremost, he never let go.

“The Hawks are mandated to look at priority crimes, any crime the National Head of the Hawks deems to be a priority in South Africa,” he said. “They primarily focus on serious organized crime, serious commercial crime, and high-profile corruption cases.”

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

AfriForum claims Unisa’s acting CFO was suspended for Hawks corruption probe cooperationAfriForum claims Unisa’s acting CFO was suspended for Hawks corruption probe cooperation
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »

Modack trial: Former Hawks officer to take stand as State’s third witnessOfficer Nico Heerschap survived an attack on his life that was allegedly ordered by Modack in 2019.
Source: ewnupdates - 🏆 30. / 53 Read more »

Former Hawks officer forgives alleged hitman in Modack trialDuring the trial at the Western Cape High Court, Nico Heerschap, a former Hawks officer, expressed his forgiveness towards the alleged hitman hired by Nafiz Modack, whom he had been investigating for suspected asset finance fraud.
Source: CapeTownEtc - 🏆 17. / 63 Read more »

'I have forgiven him': Former Hawks cop on hitman who killed his dad, allegedly for Modack'I have forgiven him': Former Hawks cop on hitman who killed his dad, allegedly for Modack
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »

Hawks investigating whether crypto Ponzi kingpin Johann Steynberg has diedHawks investigating whether crypto Ponzi kingpin Johann Steynberg has died
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »

Hawks confiscate cocaine worth millions at Richards Bay port - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports,The Hawks have confiscated cocaine with a street value of R15 million on board a cargo vessel.
Source: SABC News Online - 🏆 32. / 51 Read more »