Acting Police Minister Reveals Why He Wants Gen. Mkhwanazi To Head Hawks

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has defended his decision to seek Cabinet approval for KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to become the next head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) commonly known as the Hawks.

Cachalia says the proposed appointment is aimed at strengthening South Africa fight against organised crime and improving the country ability to confront sophisticated criminal networks operating across the country.

The move could mark a significant development in the leadership of the country elite crime-fighting unit which is responsible for investigating serious organised crime, corruption serious commercial crime and other priority offences.

Mkhwanazi has attracted national attention following his public allegations about criminal networks and alleged interference within the criminal justice system. His testimony and revelations have placed the relationship between law-enforcement agencies, political figures and alleged criminal syndicates under intense scrutiny.

Cachalia decision to put his name forward signals the government intention to consider experienced policing leadership for the position at a time when organised crime remains a major concern.

The appointment process however is not yet complete. Cachalia has submitted a Cabinet memorandum proposing Mkhwanazi appointment in terms of Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act. Cabinet approval is still required before the process can be finalised.

The position of national head of the Hawks is particularly important because the unit plays a central role in investigating high-profile criminal cases including corruption organised criminal activity and serious financial offences.

South Africa continues to face challenges involving criminal syndicates illegal firearms drug trafficking extortion and corruption. Strengthening specialised investigative capacity is therefore a key priority for law-enforcement authorities.

Cachalia proposal is expected to attract considerable public and political attention especially given Mkhwanazi recent role in exposing alleged wrongdoing within the criminal justice system.

If Cabinet approves the recommendation Mkhwanazi could move from leading police operations in KwaZulu-Natal to heading one of the country most important investigative institutions.

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