Police minister Fikile Mbalula has called for an end to "factionalism" in the police, following a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling on Tuesday that dismissed the former Hawks boss, Berning Ntlemeza's appeal of a high court ruling, setting aside his appointment, Eyewitness News (EWN) reported.
Mbalula reportedly said that police needed to reject being part of "rogue cabals", and to accept that Ntlemeza was now out of the organization.
News24 reported that Ntlemeza was now retired following the ruling.
Mbalula has reportedly decided not to appeal the ruling.
"Upon studying and interpretation of the court order, it is conclusive that General Ntlemeza appointment as the Head of [Hawks] has been nullified and declared unlawful...
"With this decision of the SCA [Supreme Court of Appeal], I am directing SAPS to commence processing General Ntlemeza's retirement with immediate effect as if he had retired at the age of 60 but at a level of Major-General and not as a Lieutenant-General he was promoted to upon his now defunct appointment, he reportedly said.
He said that acting Hawks head Lieutenant General Yolisa Matakata would remain in the position.
Mbalula said he had received the SCA's decision on September 15.
According to TimesLive, he said:
"The implications of the court order are that: 1. The petition against the order of March 17 2017 that set aside General Ntlemeza's appointment as national head: DPCI has been dismissed. 2. His employment contract has also been set aside and should be treated as if it [was] never obtained."