Hawks: Involvement in Norma Gigaba arrest 'will become clear'
The Hawks have moved to allay fears that it is helping to settle personal scores following the arrest of Norma Gigaba on charges of assault and malicious damage to property.
Questions have been asked about the involvement of the elite crime-fighting unit in what seems to have been a domestic dispute between Gigaba and her husband, former finance minister Malusi Gigaba.
She was arrested on Friday for alleged assault and malicious damage to property.
Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi says not all the fact are currently in the public domain.
"In this circumstance, we did mention that there was a bigger picture that we are dealing with. There was a threat on an individual and we had to come in based on those threats. However, that case is now being referred to SAPS for them to pursue it."
He says the unit's involvement will become clear once the investigations are complete.
"Once the second leg of the investigations is complete, that is when the public will be able to know what was transpiring. We don't want to dwell into the merits of the case itself and, yes, it is the issue of assault and damage to property.
"However, there is a matter we are dealing with, this is different investigative methodologies we use and, yes, it is not our case but we had to come in with our intelligence."
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He denied allegations that the unit is being used by politicians to fight personal battles.
"We don't know about these allegations that our resources are being used by politicians. If anyone has information, they can come forward. We are not being used by any entity or politicians. We are investigating criminal matters."
Gigaba, who has been released on R5000 bail, is set to appear in court on Monday.
Her lawyer Victor Nkwashu says Gigaba will remain innocent until proven guilty.
"Appearing in court is not an easy thing, especially in a criminal court. It is a stressful experience that anyone can go through, but she believes in her innocence until proven guilty. She is positive that our judicial system will come to a proper conclusion at the end of the day.
'She is ready to appear in court tomorrow [Monday]," says Nkwashu.
