Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi tipped for top Hawks post

JOHANNESBURG – Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has initiated the process to appoint KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

Cachalia has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for the appointment. The document is expected to be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet meeting.

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The Police Ministry said the appointment is intended to ensure leadership for the unit, which investigates serious priority crimes, including organised crime and corruption.

“The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption, and other serious priority offences. This is a priority for the Police Reset Agenda,” the ministry said in a statement.

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