afrol News, 6 July - The South African government has today launched the new Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) in Midrand, just outside the city.

The new unit, which replaces the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), which was known as the Scorpions, has also been given a quick operation name, and will be known as the Hawks.

The Scorpions, who championed most of the elite investigations of corruption against the country’s top dogs, both political and business, fell off with the ruling party, and was also largely blamed for the in and out court dragging of president Jacob Zuma.

As the outgoing president just before the election, former President Kgalema Motlanthe in February signed the Amendment Act that saw the scrapping out of the Scorpions and paving way for the new unit.

The new unit that will be headed by former Western Cape Police Deputy Commissioner, Anwa Dramat, was also to consider re-engaging some of the employees of the former unit, though the government isisted all new appointments would be on merit.

President Zuma has promised to give priority to fighting corruption and crime in South Africa, saying the new unit would be well-placed for the challenge.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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