Johannesburg – Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has asked Cabinet to approve the appointment of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said Cachalia had submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking approval for the appointment, which will be considered at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet meeting.
The appointment process is governed by Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act, which requires the police minister to appoint the national head of the DPCI with Cabinet’s concurrence. The appointment must also be reported to Parliament.
In a statement, SAPS said the process had been initiated in accordance with the powers vested in the acting minister under the Act.
The DPCI investigates serious organised crime, corruption and other priority offences, making the appointment of its national head an important part of the government’s policing priorities.
#PoliceMinistry [ACTING MINISTER OF POLICE TO SEEK CABINET CONCURRENCE FOR APPOINTMENT OF LT GENERAL NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI AS NATIONAL HEAD OF THE DPCI] The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia has, pursuant to the powers vested in him in terms of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, initiated the process to appoint a National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the #Hawks.
In accordance with Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the Act, the appointment of the National Head of the DPCI is made by the Minister of Police, with the concurrence of Cabinet. The Act further provides for the reporting of the appointment to Parliament.
The Acting Minister has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking Cabinet’s concurrence for the appointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the National Head of the DPCI. The Memorandum will be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting.
The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption, and other serious priority offences. This is a priority for the Police Reset Agenda. The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes. ME
https://t.co/si9NQWlF57— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 29, 2026
SAPS said appointing a national head was necessary to provide strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in tackling these crimes.
“The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption, and other serious priority offences,” the statement said.
The service added that the appointment was a priority under the Police Reset Agenda.
Mkhwanazi currently serves as KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner. His proposed appointment will depend on Cabinet’s concurrence before the process can proceed.
Once appointed, the national head will lead the Hawks as they pursue investigations into serious criminal activity, including organised crime and corruption.
Cabinet is expected to consider the memorandum at an upcoming sitting, although no specific date for the decision has been announced.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
