South Africa seeks to appoint Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as Hawks head

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has initiated the process to appoint Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. To finalize the appointment, Cachalia has submitted a memorandum to the Cabinet seeking its concurrence, as required by Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act.

Mkhwanazi currently serves as the Police Commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal. He previously gained prominence for exposing alleged corruption and political interference involving senior police officials, which led to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He has also been involved in national investigations regarding murders in Ekurhuleni.

The Ministry of Police stated that the appointment is a key component of the ‘Police Reset Agenda,’ aimed at strengthening leadership and operational effectiveness in the fight against organized crime and corruption. Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi is currently serving as the Acting National Head of the Hawks.