3 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 10:38 UTC · updated Fri, 30 Oct 2026 03:44 UTC
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking approval to appoint KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. The appointment, which requires Cabinet’s concurrence under section 17CA(1)–(3) of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, must also be reported to Parliament. Cachalia said the move is part of the Police Reset Agenda and aims to strengthen leadership in combating organised crime, corruption and serious priority offences.
Mkhwanazi gained national attention following a July 2025 media briefing in which he alleged criminal infiltration of South Africa’s justice system, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission. In May 2026, he received the 2025 Newsmaker of the Year award from the National Press Club. He has been leading a coordinated central command since earlier in 2025, merging Crime Intelligence, detectives and tactical units across provinces. Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi has been acting Hawks head since May 2025 after Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya retired.
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