Lebeya says political interference in policing dates back to 2009.

Former Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya says political interference in policing dates back to at least 2009. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Lebeya says he was assigned in August 2009 to investigate murder and matters involving Crime Intelligence. He says his investigation later found that family members of Crime Intelligence personnel had allegedly been irregularly appointed within the covert component. Lebeya says his position as Hawks Divisional Commissioner was abolished in January 2011, although he was not told why. Lebeya also told the Commission that political interference created confusion over command structures within the SAPS. He cited a 2011 incident involving Lieutenant Generals being instructed to attend a funeral by then-Acting National Commissioner Major General Mkwanazi.