Cachalia backs Mkhwanazi for Hawks top job
Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia wants Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to lead the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has asked Cabinet to approve the appointment of KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Hawks. The Ministry of Police confirmed this move on Thursday, 29 October. Mkhwanazi previously exposed alleged political interference and corruption in July 2025, leading to a commission of inquiry.
Mkhwanazi is now in line to lead the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) as part of Cachalia’s Police Reset Agenda. The ministry stated that appointing a National Head ensures strong leadership and effectiveness in fighting organised crime and corruption. Cabinet will consider the memorandum at its next sitting.
Cachalia also involved Mkhwanazi in the investigation into women's murders in Ekurhuleni starting in September. By early October, police were investigating 12 such cases, having resolved three and identified persons of interest in three others. The ministry has not confirmed if these killings are linked.
Why it mattersNhlanhla Mkhwanazi's potential appointment as Hawks boss affects the fight against organised crime and corruption in South Africa.