Ramaphosa: Cabinet to Decide on Mkhwanazi as New Hawks Head

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that Cabinet will consider the proposed appointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.

Speaking on the matter, Ramaphosa said the name of General Mkhwanazi has been put forward. Cabinet will meet to look at the proposal, and once a decision is made, an announcement will follow. He added that Cabinet does not share what it is going to decide beforehand. The public will only hear the outcome after the process is complete.

The recommendation comes from Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. He submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking concurrence for Mkhwanazi to lead the Hawks. The position has been vacant since Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya retired in May 2025. An acting head has been filling the role in the meantime.

Mkhwanazi is currently the KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner. He rose to national attention in July 2025 after he held a media briefing. In that briefing, he alleged that a sophisticated criminal syndicate had infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system. The claims prompted President Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to look into the issues raised.

Under the South African Police Service Act, the Minister of Police appoints the national head of the DPCI with the concurrence of Cabinet. The appointment must also be reported to Parliament. The Hawks are responsible for investigating serious priority crimes such as organised crime and corruption.

Filling the top post is seen as important for giving the unit clear leadership and direction. Cachalia has pointed to the need for stronger capacity in the fight against organised crime as part of broader efforts to improve policing.

Ramaphosa addressed the proposal during a visit to the Premier Soccer League offices in Johannesburg. He described the process as a standard Cabinet matter and said the announcement would come once Cabinet has decided.

The possible move has drawn interest because of Mkhwanazi’s profile and the ongoing work of the Madlanga Commission. Support has come from some quarters for placing an experienced senior officer in charge of the Hawks, but the final decision rests with Cabinet. An announcement is expected after the next Cabinet meeting.

Source: https://x.com/ZANewsFlash/status/2117475295066263668