KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has publicly ruled himself out of contention for the Hawks top post, according to a report published on 31 October, two days after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia asked Cabinet to concur in his appointment.

"So if anyone would feel that I was going to pursue any post beyond this, they are mistaken," he said, as quoted. He said he will not apply for the position.

What the minister has asked Cabinet to do

The police ministry announced on Thursday 29 October that Cachalia had submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking its concurrence for Mkhwanazi to become national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks. The memorandum was submitted under section 17CA of the SAPS Act.

The ministry said a permanent head was important to ensure "strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness" in investigating serious crimes, as reported. The appointment is not final: it needs Cabinet's approval and must be reported to Parliament. The ministry has not announced a date for Cabinet to consider it.

Lt-Gen Siphesihle Nkosi remains acting head. The post has been vacant since Godfrey Lebeya retired in May 2025.

Mkhwanazi has led KwaZulu-Natal police since 2018 and remains at the centre of a national investigation into alleged criminal infiltration and political interference, which followed his July 2025 briefing. Claims against individuals must be distinguished from findings established through formal investigations.

Why Mkhwanazi says he is not interested

According to the report, Mkhwanazi said he believes he is "the oldest or the longest-serving" lieutenant-general in the police and cannot be promoted further. He said: "I never wanted to be a detective specifically."

He said his career has been in operational policing, including the Public Order Police Unit and the Special Task Force, rather than detective work. He said he wants to complete his term as provincial commissioner, with a contract that has a year to run. He previously served as acting national police commissioner between 2011 and 2013.

What we do not yet know

  • Whether the ministry will withdraw or amend the Cabinet memorandum, and when Cabinet will consider it.