Former Hawks boss Anwa Dramat rejects claims he frustrated TRC cases

Former Hawks chief rejects claims he obstructed TRC investigations

Lieutenant General Anwa Dramat has strongly defended his record as national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), rejecting allegations from families that some Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases were allowed to lapse under his leadership.

Families allege negligence on unresolved TRC matters

Families of victims, including those of the Cradock Four, have criticised the handling of historical cases and say critical matters were left to expire, affecting efforts to secure justice.

Timeline and testimony

Dramat resumed his duties as head of the Hawks in July 2009 and left the position in 2014. During testimony at the TRC Cases Inquiry, he denied taking or issuing unlawful instructions to frustrate investigations into TRC matters.

“I can categorically state, and without fear of contradiction, that I never made or received unlawful instructions, in relation to TRC cases… As I indicated, I was appointed in June but took up office in July. And I do take note, although I don’t have any recollection of the email, but I do take note that Advocate Macadam made attempts to seek a meeting with me.”

Advocate Macadam and lapsed matters

Families alleged that Advocate Chris Macadam was instructed to meet Dramat shortly after Dramat assumed office to try to protect certain cases from prescription. Advocate Macadam, a former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, testified in March that despite his attempts he was unsuccessful in securing a meeting with Dramat.

The source material states that, as a consequence, some matters including one due to prescribe on 12 September 2009 lapsed without further investigation.

Macadam also denied attempting to shield colleagues from scrutiny and rejected suggestions that he interfered with TRC-related investigations while serving in the Directorate for Specialised Operations and the Priority Crime Litigation Unit.

Dispute over how many cases were pursued

Advocate Howard Varney, representing the Calata and other victim families, highlighted that only one TRC case had been pursued between 2011 and 2020. Dramat responded that at least 10 cases were investigated during that period, while acknowledging that finalising those investigations may have been difficult.

Dramat also said he did not have full recollection of all matters and observed that, “with the benefit of hindsight, it could be surprising that the NPA did not have investigators.”

Inquiry continues

The TRC Cases Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, is scheduled to continue hearing witnesses on Thursday.