By Johnathan Paoli
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has asked Cabinet to approve the appointment of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Police ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi confirmed on Thursday that Cachalia had submitted a memorandum seeking Cabinet’s concurrence, paving the way for a permanent appointment to lead the country’s specialised crime-fighting unit, which has been without a permanent head since May 2025.
“The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption, and other serious priority offences. This is a priority for the Police Reset Agenda,” Mogotsi said.
He said the appointment was important to ensure “strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes”.
Cachalia initiated the appointment process in terms of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995, which requires the national head of the Hawks to be appointed by the police minister with Cabinet’s concurrence.
“The memorandum will be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting,” Mogotsi said.
The appointment must subsequently be reported to Parliament in accordance with the legislation.
Mkhwanazi’s proposed appointment comes amid concerns about the Hawks’ capacity to investigate serious corruption and organised crime, including staffing shortages and the handling of sensitive investigations.
The directorate investigates national priority offences, including serious corruption, organised crime and complex commercial crimes.
The Hawks have been without a permanent national head since Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya retired on 31 May 2025, after approximately 41 years in policing.
Lebeya, who took office in 2018, was succeeded in an acting capacity by his deputy, Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi, who remains in the position while the permanent appointment process continues.
In June 2025, then police minister Senzo Mchunu withdrew an earlier advertisement for the post, indicating that the application period would be extended. A subsequent recruitment notice was published in July 2026.
Mkhwanazi has served as KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner since 2021.
SAPS confirmed his reappointment to the position on a five-year fixed-term contract in March 2026.
He became a central figure in investigations into alleged criminality and political interference in the criminal justice system after making explosive allegations against senior police officials and politicians at a media briefing on 6 July 2025.
His allegations prompted the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee to investigate claims of corruption, political interference and criminal infiltration within the criminal justice system.
The proposed appointment also comes as the Hawks face scrutiny over their ability to investigate complex cases effectively.
In August, Nkosi told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts that the directorate had a vacancy rate of approximately 49%, with only 2,681 of slightly more than 5,000 posts filled.
He cited difficulties in recruiting and retaining experienced investigators, including the loss of skilled personnel to other state institutions and the private sector.
The staffing shortages have raised concerns about the directorate’s capacity to investigate complex corruption cases, which often require specialised financial expertise, forensic analysis and extensive evidence gathering.
Cabinet’s decision on Cachalia’s memorandum will determine whether Mkhwanazi’s appointment proceeds to finalisation.
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