EXCLUSIVE | WATCH | Former Hawks head talks policing, crime, corruption

President Cyril Ramaphosa gestures to supporters during his address at the African National Congress (ANC) manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on February 24, 2024.
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DURBAN – In the past few weeks, almost 50 suspected criminals have come out second best in gun battles with the SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal. 
The “fight-fire-with-fire” strategy has drawn many praises from those sick of the high crime rate – but it has also elicited an outcry from activists. 
More than a decade ago, the Cato Manor Organised Crime Unit also took a hard stance on crime. 
READ: EXCLUSIVE | Crime Intelligence must improve to stop hits – former Hawks head
But it led to a target on the back of former KZN Hawks head, Johan Booysen, and his members, who were accused of running a “death squad.” 
Those charges were eventually dropped, and Booysen maintains it was a well-orchestrated campaign to make him pay for investigating politically connected individuals. 
eNCA senior reporter Dasen Thathiah sat down with him for a frank conversation on the current state of crime and policing in the country.