Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi proposed as head of South Africa’s Hawks
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on SABC News
South Africa’s acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, has submitted Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s candidacy to the government to lead the Hawks, the unit responsible for priority crimes. The appointment is intended to strengthen the fight against organised crime and corruption, according to the Police Ministry, cited by SABC News.
South Africa’s acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, has begun the process of appointing Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, as head of the Hawks, the national unit responsible for investigating organised crime, corruption and other serious offences. He submitted a memorandum for government approval, according to the Police Ministry.
The position has been vacant since Godfrey Lebeya retired in May 2025. Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the appointment was intended to provide the unit with national leadership, strategic direction and greater operational efficiency as part of the reorganisation of the police force.
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was recently linked to the Vuka SA election campaign, which used his image during the local elections. The South African Police Service is led by Fannie Masemola, who resumed his duties after his suspension was lifted on 16 October.
