Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has threatened to approach the courts to challenge the proposed appointment of 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.
O’Sullivan has warned Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia that his organisation, Forensics for Justice, intends to pursue an urgent legal challenge if the appointment process continues without addressing his objections.
In an email dated 29 October 2026, O’Sullivan argued that Mkhwanazi does not meet the legal requirement of being a “fit and proper person” to lead the Hawks.
He cited allegations and outstanding criminal investigations involving Mkhwanazi, which he claims should be considered before any appointment is made. These are allegations raised by O’Sullivan and have not, through this correspondence, been established as findings of wrongdoing.
O’Sullivan has called on Cachalia to suspend the process or introduce a transparent public appointment process, including inviting applications and allowing public scrutiny of shortlisted candidates.
The warning follows Cachalia’s announcement that he had submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking approval for Mkhwanazi’s appointment as national Hawks head.
Under Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act, the appointment requires Cabinet’s concurrence before it can be finalised.
The Hawks are responsible for investigating serious organised crime, corruption and other priority offences, including cases involving senior public officials, politicians and organised criminal networks.
Cabinet has yet to announce its decision on the proposed appointment.
