Mkhwanazi Tipped to Lead Hawks in Organised Crime Crackdown

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has defended his decision to recommend KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for appointment as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

Cachalia believes Mkhwanazi’s proposed appointment could strengthen South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption and criminal networks operating within state institutions. The decision comes amid growing concerns about the infiltration of law enforcement agencies by criminal syndicates and allegations of misconduct involving senior officials.

The acting minister has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for Mkhwanazi’s appointment. He maintains that filling the Hawks leadership position is important for improving investigative capacity, providing strategic direction and strengthening the country’s response to serious crime.

Mkhwanazi has become one of South Africa’s most prominent police figures following his public allegations in July 2025 about criminal networks allegedly operating within the police service and wider criminal justice system. His revelations triggered significant political and institutional developments, including the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary investigation.

The Hawks play a crucial role in investigating serious organised crime, corruption, complex commercial offences and other priority crimes threatening national security and economic stability.

The proposed appointment, however, is not without scrutiny. Under Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act, the national head of the Hawks is appointed by the police minister with Cabinet’s concurrence. The appointment must also be reported to Parliament.

If Cabinet approves the recommendation, Mkhwanazi would move from provincial policing into a powerful national position, replacing the current acting Hawks head, Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi.

His leadership would be closely watched, particularly as South Africa continues battling extortion, illegal mining, corruption and organised criminal networks. Ultimately, his success would be measured by investigations completed, criminal networks dismantled and successful prosecutions.

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