Acting police minister moves to give Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi powerful new role

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is in line to become the country’s next Hawks boss.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval to appoint Mkhwanazi as national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

The Ministry of Police confirmed the move on Thursday, 29 October.

Mkhwanazi takes on high-profile investigations

Mkhwanazi made headlines in July 2025 when he exposed alleged political interference, corruption and links between senior police officials and criminal syndicates.

His allegations sparked the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary investigation.

Cachalia also brought Mkhwanazi into the investigation into the murders of women in Ekurhuleni in September.

He joined Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo in assisting a national investigative team led by Lieutenant-General Hilda Senthumule.

By early October, police were investigating 12 cases involving murdered women in Ekurhuleni. Investigators had resolved three cases and identified persons of interest in three others.

Police have not established whether the killings are linked.

Cabinet to decide on Hawks appointment

Cachalia has invoked Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act, which requires Cabinet’s concurrence before the minister appoints a national Hawks head.

The ministry said Cabinet would consider the memorandum at its earliest available sitting.

The appointment forms part of Cachalia’s Police Reset Agenda, which prioritises the fight against organised crime and corruption.

“The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes,” the ministry said.

Cabinet has yet to approve the appointment.