MK Party MP Questions Why Police Minister Wants Mkhwanazi Out Of KZN

MK Party Member of Parliament Mzwanele Manyi has questioned Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s decision to recommend KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for the position of national Hawks head.

Manyi believes the proposed move could take an experienced operational commander away from frontline policing and potentially affect the future leadership succession within the South African Police Service.

In a strongly worded statement addressed to Cachalia, Manyi made it clear that he was unconvinced by the reasons behind the recommendation.

“Just so you know, we are not buying your story,” he wrote.

Manyi argued that Mkhwanazi’s commitment was to confront criminals through operational policing rather than spend his time in an office dealing with administrative responsibilities and meetings.

He also questioned why Cachalia appeared determined to remove the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner from his current position, particularly at a time when South Africa continues to face serious organised crime challenges.

One of the major concerns raised by the MK Party MP was the possible effect on the police leadership succession process.

Manyi suggested that Mkhwanazi could eventually succeed National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola when he retires. He questioned whether moving him to head the Hawks could disrupt that potential pathway.

“More importantly, why are you seemingly determined to disrupt the natural succession pathway that would see General Mkhwanazi eventually succeed General Masemola when he retires?” Manyi asked.

His comments follow Cachalia’s announcement on October 29 that he had submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for Mkhwanazi’s appointment as national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.

Cachalia has defended the recommendation, arguing that the specialised crime-fighting unit needs permanent leadership to strengthen the fight against organised crime and criminal cartels. He also said previous recruitment processes had failed to produce a suitable candidate.

The proposed appointment is not yet final, as it requires Cabinet’s concurrence under the South African Police Service Act.

Manyi, however, wants Mkhwanazi to remain focused on operational policing, insisting that the country needs experienced commanders on the ground rather than another leadership reshuffle.

The disagreement has brought renewed attention to the implications of moving Mkhwanazi from provincial policing into a national investigative leadership role.

Source: https://x.com/mzwanelemanyi/status/2116860949311246714?s=46

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