Mkhwanazi Rules Out Hawks Top Post Despite Minister’s Support

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has reportedly withdrawn himself from consideration for the position of national head of the Hawks, raising fresh uncertainty about the future leadership of South Africa’s specialised crime-fighting unit.

The development follows efforts by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to secure Mkhwanazi’s appointment as head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), popularly known as the Hawks. Cachalia has reportedly submitted a memorandum to Cabinet requesting approval for the proposed appointment.

However, despite the minister’s initiative, Mkhwanazi is said to have expressed little interest in taking up the position. Reports suggest that he would rather remain involved in frontline policing, where he can directly participate in operations targeting criminal activities.

His reported decision has raised questions about the government’s next move and whether another candidate will be considered to fill the important leadership position.

The Hawks have been operating without a permanent national head since Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya retired in May 2025. Since his departure, the unit has relied on acting leadership while authorities work towards finding a suitable replacement.

Cachalia has maintained that appointing a permanent head is important for providing the Hawks with clear strategic leadership and improving their ability to tackle organised crime, serious corruption and other major criminal activities.

The proposed appointment is also linked to wider efforts to reform South Africa’s policing institutions, improve law enforcement and rebuild public confidence in the criminal justice system.

Mkhwanazi became a prominent national figure in July 2025 after making serious allegations about alleged criminal infiltration and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

His statements attracted widespread attention and prompted investigations into claims involving individuals within law enforcement structures. The controversy also intensified public discussions about accountability, corruption and the independence of policing institutions.

Given his experience and growing public profile, Mkhwanazi has remained an influential figure in conversations about the direction of South Africa’s police service.

Nevertheless, his reported decision not to pursue the Hawks leadership position presents another challenge for authorities seeking to establish permanent leadership for the unit.

For now, the proposed appointment remains subject to the necessary Cabinet procedures. It remains unclear whether the government will continue pursuing Mkhwanazi’s appointment or identify another candidate.

The decision will be closely watched as pressure increases on law enforcement authorities to strengthen the fight against organised crime and corruption across the country.

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