By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is set to lead a national crime-fighting initiative while continuing with his duties in the province.
This forms part of his expanded mandate discussed during his contract renewal and will focus on organised crime in all forms across the country.
Last month the SA Police Service (SAPS) confirmed Mkhwanazi’s reappointment as KZN police commissioner on a new five-year contract.
In terms of section 207(3) of the Constitution, provincial commissioners are appointed by the national commissioner with the concurrence of the provincial executive.
”I’m still a Provincial Commissioner in the province,” he said.
He was speaking at the handing over of a new forensic lab in Durban on Friday, which is aimed at addressing severe DNA testing backlogs in the province.
It follows years of challenges, including flood damage to the previous Durban forensic lab that forced police to use facilities in Pretoria.
Drug-related cases are among the hardest hit, with suspects often released because forensic analysis isn’t done on time.
The new facility is expected to speed up forensic processing, protect evidence, and improve the success rate of criminal cases.
Mkhwanazi explained that his deployment forms part of a broader strategy by the National Commissioner to strengthen the fight against organised crime, while still maintaining his responsibilities in the province.
He said the arrangement is still in its early stages and will involve him working both provincially and at national level.
He further noted that the legal framework governing the appointment of provincial commissioners requires consultation with the provincial executive.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli expressed concern about the new role.
Ntuli noted that crime levels have declined compared to 20 months ago and acknowledged the progress made under Mkhwanazi’s leadership.
“I am worried that General Mkhwanazi has a new task and that that new task may interfere with the strength we have in the province.”
Mkhwanazi has assured both Premier Ntuli and KZN residents that, despite his role in the national project, he will not neglect his duties in the province.
“ I’m here to deliver the service, and I would make sure that we continue doing so. Whether I’m doing it full-time in the province or I’m doing it partially from the national office.
Mkhwanazi further explained that the “BIG 5” has been identified and will be “neutralised” soon. He says there is a team in place already, and there are dockets that they have been prioritised.
Mkhwanazi holds a National Diploma and a BA degree in policing, along with specialised training in counterterrorism investigations, bomb disposal and crisis response. He joined SAPS in 1993 and later served as acting national commissioner after Bheki Cele’s suspension in 2011.
Mkhwanazi has attracted public attention for his outspoken stance on policing, discipline, and political interference in the criminal justice system.