The ANC argued that government oversight was needed in such a body so as to avoid the agency being used as a political tool to investigate politicians.

[9] Inkatha Freedom Party MP Koos van der Merwe described the decision to replace the Scorpions with The Hawks was done so as to "protect ANC leaders and members from criminal investigation and possible prosecution.

[2][13] In 2015 former head of The Hawks office in KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Johan Booysen, sued the state for wrongful arrest.

Booysen was arrested in 2012 for allegedly being involved in operating a “death squad” as part of the Hawks Cato Manor organised crime unit.

Gordhan was investigated for his possible role in setting up and running a "rogue" investigatory unit whilst he was head of the South African Revenue Service[15] (SARS) shortly after Zuma was compelled to appoint him Finance Minister following public outrage at the firing of the former minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene.

[16] Supporters of Gordhan believe the Hawks' investigation was politically motivated and done so as to remove him from office[17] and lack legal merit.