Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi could soon take over as the National Head of the Hawks after Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia formally initiated the process to appoint him to lead South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit.
Cachalia has submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking concurrence for Mkhwanazi’s appointment as National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
The move signals a potential leadership change at the specialised crime-fighting unit, which is responsible for investigating organised crime, corruption and other serious priority offences.
According to a statement from the Acting Minister’s office, the appointment process has been initiated in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister of Police under the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995.
Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the Act provides that the National Head of the Hawks is appointed by the Minister of Police with the concurrence of Cabinet.
The legislation further requires that the appointment be reported to Parliament.
Cachalia’s memorandum will be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting, where ministers will consider the proposed appointment.
The Acting Minister has emphasised the importance of strengthening leadership within the Hawks as part of the government’s broader efforts to intensify the fight against serious and organised crime.
“The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption, and other serious priority offences,” the statement said.
The proposed appointment also forms part of the Police Reset Agenda, which identifies the fight against serious crime as a priority.
According to the Acting Minister, appointing a National Head is essential to providing strategic direction, strengthening leadership and improving the operational effectiveness of the specialised investigative unit.
The Hawks play a central role in investigating complex criminal activities, including high-level corruption and organised criminal networks.
Mkhwanazi’s proposed appointment would place him at the helm of the unit responsible for tackling some of the country’s most serious criminal investigations.
However, the appointment is not yet finalised, as it remains subject to Cabinet concurrence and the applicable statutory process.