SAPS Leadership Shake-Up: Mkhwanazi’s Hawks Move Raises Big Questions About Masemola’s Next Steps

Mkhwanazi To Lead The Hawks? Major SAPS Shake-Up Raises Questions As Masemola’s Return Changes The Leadership Picture

South Africa’s police leadership is facing another major development after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia recommended KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for appointment as the new national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

The announcement has sparked debate about the future structure of the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly following General Fannie Masemola’s return as National Commissioner and the changes involving senior police leadership.

On Thursday, 29 October 2026, the Police Ministry confirmed that Cachalia had submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for Mkhwanazi’s appointment. The proposed appointment is not yet final because Cabinet must first give its concurrence in terms of the South African Police Service Act.

The timing has attracted attention, especially because the police service is also dealing with changes to senior positions following the departure of former Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya.

Mkhwanazi became a prominent national figure after making serious allegations in July 2025 about criminal interference and alleged infiltration within South Africa’s law-enforcement structures.

His claims triggered investigations, parliamentary processes and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, placing the conduct of senior police officials under intense public scrutiny.

His proposed move to the Hawks would place him at the head of an institution responsible for investigating serious organised crime, corruption and major commercial offences.

The unit has faced scrutiny over allegations involving certain officers and their handling of sensitive investigations. However, allegations against individuals must be distinguished from proven wrongdoing, and the Hawks’ work remains central to the country’s criminal justice system.

Masemola resumed his duties as National Commissioner on 19 October after President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted his precautionary suspension.

His return followed the withdrawal of criminal charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act in connection with the SAPS medical-services tender.

The leadership changes have therefore raised questions about how responsibilities will be distributed across the police service.

Sibiya’s departure also left the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection position vacant, creating another important leadership issue for SAPS management.

However, the proposed appointment of Mkhwanazi to lead the Hawks is a separate process from filling that deputy commissioner position. The two roles have different responsibilities and appointment procedures.

One question emerging from public discussion is whether appointing Mkhwanazi to lead the Hawks could change his influence within the broader police leadership structure.

The Hawks operate within the SAPS framework but have statutory independence in their investigations and are led through a specific appointment process. The national head is appointed by the Police Minister with Cabinet’s concurrence, as provided for under Section 17CA of the SAPS Act.

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