KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi could soon take charge of the Hawks after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia formally proposed his appointment.
According to The Citizen, Cachalia has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet requesting approval for Mkhwanazi to become the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
The announcement was made on Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Cabinet approval still required
Mkhwanazi has not officially been appointed to the position.
Under Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act, the police minister must obtain Cabinet’s agreement before appointing a national Hawks head.
The appointment must also be reported to Parliament.
The Police Ministry confirmed that Cachalia’s memorandum would be presented at the earliest available Cabinet sitting. However, no date has been announced for a decision.
Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi has served as acting Hawks head since May 2025, following the retirement of Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya.
Mkhwanazi’s high-profile corruption allegations
Mkhwanazi attracted national attention in July 2025 when he publicly alleged that a criminal syndicate had infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system.
His allegations prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission, which has been investigating claims of corruption and criminal interference within law enforcement.
In May 2026, Mkhwanazi received the National Press Club’s 2025 Newsmaker of the Year award.
During his acceptance speech, he highlighted the importance of restoring public trust in policing and recognised officers who continue to oppose corruption.
What would his new role involve?
The Hawks investigate serious crimes, including organised crime, corruption and other priority offences.
The Police Ministry said appointing a permanent national head is essential to strengthening leadership and improving the unit’s ability to investigate these crimes.
The proposed appointment also forms part of the government’s Police Reset Agenda, which aims to strengthen the country’s response to serious crime.
Mkhwanazi has already been tasked with leading the National Organised Crime Strategy, which focuses on tackling criminal networks operating across provincial boundaries.
If Cabinet approves his appointment, Mkhwanazi will move from leading policing in KwaZulu-Natal to heading one of South Africa’s most important national crime-fighting units.
For now, the final decision rests with Cabinet.
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