By Johnathan Paoli
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has confirmed that Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s contract has been officially renewed, ending uncertainty over the future of KZN’s top cop ahead of the expiry of his current term at the end of March. Mkhwanazi is 53.
Speaking on the sidelines of a crime-fighting imbizo in Caluza, Pietermaritzburg, on Saturday, Ntuli said all formal processes between his office and national police leadership had now been concluded.
“On the issue of the contract renewal of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, it has been renewed. The national commissioner has written to me, and I have also given concurrence formally and officially. So I do not see an issue regarding that,” he added.
SAPS also confirmed the renewal, with spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe saying Mkhwanazi had been reappointed for a five-year fixed-term contract.
“[National Police Commissioner General Fannie] Masemola has wished Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi well as he continues to provide stability and decisive leadership in the province of KZN,” Mathe said.
The confirmation brings clarity after concern over delays in finalising the extension.
Ntuli had already formally concurred with the renewal earlier this year, but later warned that uncertainty around the process could undermine confidence in policing leadership in the province.
In terms of section 207(3) of the Constitution, provincial commissioners are appointed by the national commissioner with the concurrence of the provincial executive. The SAPS Act reflects the same position.
Ntuli said he had engaged directly with Masemola to resolve the matter, describing their discussions as constructive. He had previously argued that continuity in policing leadership was essential in a province grappling with violent crime, political killings, and extortion.
Mkhwanazi has indicated that he is willing to continue serving. Earlier this month, Masemola told Parliament’s ad hoc committee that the KwaZulu-Natal commissioner was prepared to serve a second term, with the process nearing completion.
His appearance before Parliament followed a high-profile media briefing on 6 July 2025, in which Mkhwanazi made serious allegations about criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.
Days later, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a judicial commission of inquiry and placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence.
The renewal also comes at a time of wider scrutiny of national police leadership.
Earlier this week, the Presidency said Ramaphosa had noted the confirmation by the National Prosecuting Authority of charges against Masemola and his scheduled court appearance, and that the president would address the matter in accordance with the law.
Ntuli has consistently backed Mkhwanazi’s continued tenure, saying stable leadership remains central to the fight against crime in KwaZulu-Natal. Under his command, the province has intensified targeted operations against serious and violent crime, while the premier has publicly credited him with helping restore confidence in law enforcement.
Mkhwanazi holds a National Diploma and a BA degree in policing, along with specialised training in counterterrorism investigations, bomb disposal and crisis response. He joined SAPS in 1993 and later served as acting national commissioner after Bheki Cele’s suspension in 2011.
Mkhwanazi has attracted public attention for his outspoken stance on policing, discipline, and political interference in the criminal justice system.
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