Mkhwanazi’s Proposed Hawks Appointment Raises Questions About SAPS Leadership And Power Struggles

The recommendation of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to become the next National Head of the Hawks has sparked debate about the future of South Africa’s police leadership and the possible implications for the country’s ongoing investigations into alleged criminal infiltration within law-enforcement structures.

The development comes amid significant changes at the South African Police Service (SAPS), following the departure of former Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya.

Sibiya resigned from the police service on 12 October 2026 after his disciplinary hearing commenced. SAPS confirmed that his departure was regarded as a dishonourable discharge because disciplinary proceedings were pending against him. <Cite refs={[“turn898764search1″,”turn898764search14”]}/>

Following his return to office on 19 October, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is expected to deal with vacancies and leadership arrangements within the country’s police service.

However, on Thursday, 29 October, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced that he had initiated the process to appoint Mkhwanazi as the permanent 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 decision is not yet final, as Cabinet must first give its concurrence in accordance with Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act. <Cite refs={[“turn518312search0″,”turn518312search3”]}/>

The timing of the recommendation has raised questions among observers about whether moving Mkhwanazi from his current provincial position could have broader implications for the balance of power within SAPS.

Some critics have questioned whether the proposed appointment could place Mkhwanazi further away from the operational structures of the national police service, particularly given his previous allegations about criminal networks and alleged interference within the police.

There are also questions about the future of the Deputy National Commissioner position previously occupied by Sibiya and the leadership succession within SAPS.

Mkhwanazi has previously made serious allegations about criminal infiltration involving individuals within law-enforcement and political structures. His revelations helped trigger parliamentary investigations and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Some commentators have interpreted the proposed move as potentially having implications for future SAPS leadership succession, particularly as questions about Masemola’s eventual departure and succession continue to emerge.

However, there is currently no publicly established evidence that the proposed appointment is intended to prevent Mkhwanazi from becoming National Commissioner or to shield particular individuals from investigation.

The Hawks themselves have faced scrutiny over allegations involving senior police officials and suspected criminal networks, placing renewed attention on the need for accountability and institutional reform.

The DPCI is a specialised directorate within SAPS, mandated to investigate serious organised crime, serious commercial crime and serious corruption. Its national head is appointed by the Police Minister with Cabinet’s concurrence. <Cite refs={[“turn898764search24″,”turn898764search4”]}/>

Ultimately, Cabinet’s decision will determine whether Mkhwanazi takes charge of the country’s specialised crime-fighting unit, while questions about police leadership, accountability and the future of SAPS remain firmly in the spotlight.