Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi strongly considered as Hawks head

The Acting Police Minister of South Africa, Firoz Cachalia, has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for the appointment of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as Hawks.

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Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for National Head of Hawks

The memorandum is expected to be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet meeting. Pursuant to the powers vested in him in terms of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, Cachalia initiated the processes necessary to appoint a National Head for the Directorate unit.

Within this submitted memorandum is the sought-after approval of the appointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This showcases the strong desire and consideration by the police ministry that Mkhwanazi be considered by Cabinet and also be appointed by Cabinet as the National Head of the Directorate.

This directorate unit within the SAPS plays a critical role in the fight against organised crime, corruption and other serious priority offences. Thus, the appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring that the due process expected by the unit is conducted, from operational effectiveness to strategic direction in addressing and investigating such crimes.

[BREAKING] Acting minister Firoz Chachalia wants #NhlanhlaMkhwanazi to head up the HAWKS.

#eNCA https://t.co/S57GK6xDvL

— Silindelo Sebata (@Sli_Masikane) October 29, 2026

Also see: ‘Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Day’: 1 Year since police general’s explosive public address

The best man for the job?

Cachalia’s consideration seems appropriate with Mkhwanazi’s track record. The provincial police commissioner was responsible for exposing a high-level corruption collusion that is currently under inquiry.

In July 2025, Mkhwanazi held a prominent press briefing where he accused top officials within the police service, including former police minister Senzo Mchunu and Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, of obstructing justice and shielding criminal syndicates.

This promptly resulted in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, formally known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Police Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. This is a public inquiry looking into the accusations initially made by Mkhwanazi.

Featured image: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu

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