By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has initiated the formal process to appoint the Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanzi as the new National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, widely known as the Hawks.
The Police Ministry confirmed on Thursday, 29 October 2026, that Cachalia has officially submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking the necessary concurrence for Mkhwanazi’s appointment.
“The memorandum will be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting,” the police said in a statement.
Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the Act provides for the Minister of Police to appoint the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, with Cabinet’s concurrence.
The appointment must also be reported to Parliament.
The proposed appointment comes as the government intensifies the fight against organised crime, corruption and other serious offences.
“This is a priority for the Police Reset Agenda,” the statement read.
If appointed, Mkhwanazi will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the unit, which investigates serious priority crimes. It is unclear who would replace him as KZN commissioner.
Earlier this year Mkhwanazi assumed dual national roles when he began overseeing a co-ordinated central command designed to merge Crime Intelligence, detectives, and tactical units across provinces to dismantle sophisticated syndicates, while still holding his position as KZN commissioner.