NPA's Batohi says outgoing Hawks head Lebeya was one of the first casualties of state capture

JOHANNESBURG - National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head, Shamila Batohi, has described outgoing Hawks head, Godfrey Lebeya, as one of the first casualties of state capture who epitomised ethical leadership.

Law enforcement top brass, judges and ministers are gathered at a black tie event in Montana, north of Pretoria, on Friday evening to mark the end of Lebeya’s term.

May 31 is the lieutenant-general's last day in office following his appointment in 2018.

Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya has served in the SAPS for 40 years but its not been without humps and hurdles.

During the so-called state capture years, Lebeya was demoted and then forced into retirement by tainted former police commissioner, Riah Phiyega, a decision which he challenged and won in the labour court.

Chair of the national priority crimes operational committee, Advocate Shamila Batohi, recalled the dark times in Lebeya's career, leaving the lieutenant-general visibly teary-eyed.

"And I can tell you from my personal experience, I can only imagine what the general has been through. In fact, he was one of the first casualties of state capture and he didn't go out into voluntary retirement, he was forced to leave the police force under a great deal of pain and personal sacrifice. And general, I want to thank you for standing firm."

Meanwhile, as guests reflected on Lebeya's service, the word "integrity" was a strong theme.