The Man Who Sparked the Madlanga Commission May Be Heading to the Hawks but the Cabinet Holds the Final Say

BREAKING: NH­LANHLA MKHWANAZI TIPPED FOR TOP HAWKS JOB AS CACHALIA SEEKS CABINET APPROVAL

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 29 OCTOBER 2026

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi could soon take charge of one of South Africa’s most important crime-fighting institutions after Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia initiated the process to appoint him as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

The development was confirmed by the Police Ministry on Thursday, 29 October 2026, after Cachalia submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for Mkhwanazi’s appointment.

However, the appointment is not yet final, as Cabinet must still give its concurrence before the process can be completed.

According to the Police Ministry, the appointment process is being conducted in terms of Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995.

The legislation requires the national head of the Hawks to be appointed by the Minister of Police with Cabinet’s concurrence. The appointment must subsequently be reported to Parliament.

Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi confirmed that the memorandum would be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting.

The government has identified the appointment as an important step towards strengthening leadership and improving the operational effectiveness of the specialised crime-fighting unit.

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

The appointment forms part of the broader Police Reset Agenda, which prioritises efforts to tackle serious criminal activity and strengthen law enforcement.

Why Mkhwanazi’s Possible Appointment Matters

Mkhwanazi has served as KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner and has become a prominent figure in national discussions about policing, corruption and alleged political interference in law enforcement.

He attracted significant national attention in July 2025 when he publicly raised allegations involving senior officials and interference in police investigations. Those allegations contributed to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and further parliamentary scrutiny of the criminal justice system.

The commission has brought renewed attention to questions surrounding police accountability, the independence of investigations and the alleged influence of criminal networks.

His possible appointment therefore comes at a time when the Hawks face considerable expectations to investigate complex cases involving organised crime, corruption and serious commercial offences.

The national Hawks position became vacant following the retirement of Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya on 31 May 2025. The directorate has since operated under acting leadership while the process of appointing a permanent head continued.

The unit is responsible for investigating serious priority crimes that often require specialised investigative skills, financial expertise and coordination between law enforcement agencies.

If Cabinet approves Mkhwanazi’s appointment, he will assume national responsibility for providing strategic direction to the directorate.

The ministry has not announced who would succeed him as KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner.

For now, attention remains on Cabinet’s decision, which will determine whether Mkhwanazi moves from provincial police leadership to the national helm of the Hawks.

Sources: https://x.com/centralnewsza/status/2115769081051681124

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