Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has initiated the process to appoint KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
Cachalia has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval for Mkhwanazi’s appointment, according to the Police Ministry. The memorandum is expected to be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet meeting.
The appointment is not yet final. Under the South African Police Service Act, the national head of the Hawks is appointed by the Minister of Police with Cabinet’s concurrence. The appointment must subsequently be reported to Parliament.
The ministry said appointing a national head is a priority under the Police Reset Agenda, given the directorate’s role in investigating organised crime, corruption and other serious priority offences.
“The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes,” the ministry said.
The Hawks have been without a permanent national head since Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya’s retirement in May 2025. Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi has been serving in an acting capacity while the appointment process continues.
Mkhwanazi’s proposed appointment
Mkhwanazi has served as KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner and was assigned an additional national organised-crime coordination role in April 2026.
His proposed appointment as Hawks head would place him in charge of the specialised directorate responsible for investigating serious and priority crimes across the country. (eNCA)
The announcement comes amid heightened public attention on policing and organised crime, following Mkhwanazi’s allegations in 2025 that senior officials and individuals had interfered in criminal investigations. Those allegations prompted the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee.
Cabinet’s decision on the proposed appointment is still pending.
