Acting Police Minister seeks Cabinet approval for Mkhwanazi as new Hawks head

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has submitted a Cabinet memorandum asking for approval to appoint Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the new national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks.

The move was confirmed on Thursday, 29 October 2026. According to a statement from the police ministry, Cachalia used the powers given to him under the South African Police Service Act to start the appointment process. The law says the Minister of Police must appoint the Hawks national head, but only with the concurrence of Cabinet. Once that is done, the appointment must also be reported to Parliament.

Mkhwanazi is currently the police commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal. He is a well-known figure in the South African Police Service with many years of experience. He previously served as acting National Police Commissioner between 2011 and 2013. He is also a former commander in the Special Task Force. Earlier this year he took on extra national duties, helping to coordinate efforts against organised crime while still leading the police in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Hawks position has been empty since May 2025, when the previous national head, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, retired after seven years in the job. The unit is responsible for investigating serious priority crimes such as organised crime, corruption and other major offences. The ministry said filling the post is important for giving the Hawks clear leadership and better operational strength. It forms part of the Police Reset Agenda, which aims to improve the fight against crime and corruption across the country.

Mkhwanazi became more widely known in July 2025 after he made public allegations about criminal networks and political interference inside the police and the wider criminal justice system. Those claims led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

If Cabinet agrees to the recommendation, Mkhwanazi will leave his provincial post to take charge of the Hawks at a national level. The ministry said the memorandum will be placed before Cabinet at the earliest opportunity. No final decision has been taken yet, and it is not clear who would replace him as KwaZulu-Natal commissioner if the appointment goes ahead.

The proposal comes at a time when the Hawks face ongoing questions about their ability to tackle high-level crime effectively. Government has identified stronger leadership of the unit as a key step in addressing organised crime and restoring public confidence in the police.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115760770684264636

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