Questions have emerged over whether KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi would accept an appointment as head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, after he previously stated that he had no intention of applying for the position.
Mkhwanazi made the remarks while appearing before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, where he dismissed reports suggesting that he was interested in taking over the specialised crime-fighting unit.
He said he preferred remaining directly involved in frontline policing rather than moving into a leadership position focused on specialised investigations.
“There were stories that I was in the front run for the post of DPCI. Honourable chair and members, not because of arrogance or whatever, but I can safely tell you that I believe I am the older or the longest-serving lieutenant-general in the SAPS,” Mkhwanazi told the committee.
He explained that he had reached the highest rank and salary notch available to him and was not seeking further promotion.
Mkhwanazi also said his decision to join the police service had been driven by a desire to confront criminals directly.
“When I joined the South African Police Service it was my resolve to face criminals directly, that’s why I joined the public order police unit. I never wanted to be a detective, because I wanted to be involved with real action that is a combination of both investigating and combatting,” he said.
He went on to make his position clear regarding the Hawks leadership position.
“I will say it in front of everyone that I will never submit my application for the post of DPCI. I remain here to see to it that my contract is done. Once it’s done I will go home and relax,” he said.
Cachalia moves to have Mkhwanazi appointed
Despite Mkhwanazi’s earlier remarks, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has since moved to have him appointed as the next head of the Hawks, reportedly seeking to have the appointment made without him submitting an application.
This development has raised questions about whether Mkhwanazi would accept the position should the appointment process proceed.
His earlier comments suggest that he intended to remain in his current position until the end of his contract before retiring from the police service.
It remains to be seen whether his position has changed following Cachalia’s move.
