Mkhwanazi proposed to lead South Africa’s Hawks
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sowetan
South Africa’s acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, has recommended Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to lead the Hawks, the unit responsible for priority crimes. His appointment still needs government approval and must undergo a parliamentary process, amid a crisis of confidence in the police, reports Sowetan.
South Africa’s acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, has submitted a memorandum to the cabinet recommending the appointment of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as head of the Hawks, the unit responsible for investigating serious crimes and corruption. The appointment still has to be approved by the cabinet and then undergo a parliamentary process, Firoz Cachalia told Sowetan.
The Hawks have had no permanent national head since Godfrey Lebeya retired in May 2025. Cachalia said he wanted to strengthen the police response to organised crime, including through increased funding and stronger leadership for metropolitan anti-crime units.
The recommendation comes amid allegations of criminal infiltration of the police and intelligence services. A commission of inquiry chaired by acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga is examining these allegations, as well as suspicions of political interference in sensitive investigations. It follows the proposal of Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to head South Africa’s Hawks, published on 29 October.
