By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thami Ntuli has endorsed provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for a second term as the province’s police head.
Mkhwanazi’s term as commissioner is set to end in March 2026.
Ntuli announced this after meeting with national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
The endorsement, which is in line with the Constitution’s Section 207, comes at a time when Mkhwanazi is set to return to Parliament’s ad hoc committee, which is investigating the alleged capture of the criminal justice system.
Last year, Mkhwanazi held a press briefing in which he claimed that criminals had captured the justice system and implicated now-suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu.
“There is no basis not to recommend a police officer of the calibre of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue with the work he is doing,” Ntuli affirmed. This assurance underlines the provincial government’s commitment to upholding the values and expectations of the KwaZulu-Natal community.
Under his leadership, targeted, intelligence-driven interventions have been implemented to combat serious and violent crime, including political killings, organised crime, and extortion – offences that have historically undermined stability in the province.
Ntuli noted that these efforts have helped restore public confidence in law enforcement, particularly in communities most affected by crime and instability.
The Premier emphasised that continuity in leadership is crucial, especially as sustained and consistent efforts are required to consolidate the gains made in the fight against crime.
Meanwhile five suspected criminals have been killed in a confrontation with the police in Inanda north of Durban.
The shooting took place in the notorious bester area in the early hours of Thursday morning. The suspects were wanted for attempted murder, murder and robbery.
Community members in the crime riddle bester area in Inanda woke up to gun sounds during the confrontation between suspects and police officers Thursday morning.