The Helen Suzman Foundation’s (HSF) interest in the Hawks were called into life to replace the disbanded Directorate of Special Operations (colloquially referred to as “the Scorpions”). The Scorpions were a priority crime fighting unit, situated within the South African National Prosecuting Authority, that was renowned for its independence and effectiveness in dealing with priority crimes. The HSF’s concern was that the newly formed Hawks would lack the independence and effectiveness of its predecessor.
After significant success in two separate cases dealing with the Hawks’ independence, the HSF successfully pursued two further legal battles centered around the unlawful suspension and subsequent appointment of the Hawks’ National Head.
