Gen. Mkhwanazi Rejected The Opportunity Of Becoming Hawks Boss Despite Move To Appoint Him

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has reportedly ruled himself out of the race to become South Africa’s next Hawks national head, delivering an unexpected twist after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia initiated a process to appoint him to the powerful position.

Mkhwanazi’s decision comes after Cachalia submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for his appointment as head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

The proposed appointment was made in terms of Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act which requires Cabinet concurrence before the process can be finalised.

However Mkhwanazi has indicated that he is not interested in taking up the position and would rather remain in KwaZulu-Natal to complete his existing contract as provincial police commissioner.

His reported decision has created uncertainty around the appointment process, particularly given the national attention surrounding his name and his recent involvement in exposing alleged criminal networks within the country’s criminal justice system.

Mkhwanazi has reportedly made it clear that he is not actively pursuing another senior position within the police service.

The development is particularly significant because the Hawks play a crucial role in investigating serious organised crime, corruption, serious commercial offences and other priority crimes across South Africa.

Mkhwanazi rose to national prominence in July 2025 after making explosive allegations involving alleged political interference and criminal infiltration within the criminal justice system.

The KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner has since remained a central figure in discussions about accountability and the fight against organised crime.

His decision to distance himself from the Hawks position now raises fresh questions about the future of Cachalia’s proposal and whether government will consider alternative candidates.

For now Mkhwanazi appears determined to remain in KwaZulu-Natal and continue his work as provincial police commissioner rather than take charge of the country’s elite crime-fighting unit.

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