The Acting Head of the Hawks, Major General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, says he has has learnt with shock about the release of five suspects from police custody before their appearance in court.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, it appears that the investigating team, which he said had done fantastic work in apprehending the suspects, had, for some reason, not followed through by ensuring that the suspects were charged and presented before court within 48 hours, as required by law.
He says General Ntlemeza views this as a serious matter and has ordered an internal investigation to be instituted immediately.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday afternoon and were found in possession of four firearms including an R4 rifle.
They were supposed to have been charged and to have appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon.
