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Cachalia asks Cabinet to approve Mkhwanazi as Hawks head

Published

Ongoing: Mchunu case Ended

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking concurrence for KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to lead the Hawks. The appointment is not final until Cabinet agrees.

The Police Ministry said in a statement that the memorandum will go to a Cabinet sitting at the earliest opportunity. Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi repeated this. Once Cabinet agrees, the appointment must be reported to parliament.

The post of national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, has had no permanent holder since General Godfrey Lebeya retired in May last year. Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi is now the acting national head.

The Police Ministry said: "The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes".

Key facts

Who
Firoz Cachalia (Acting Police Minister); Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi (KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, tipped as new head of the Hawks); Kamogelo Mogotsi (police ministry spokesperson); Siphesihle Nkosi (Acting National Head of the Hawks)
What
Cachalia submitted a memorandum seeking cabinet's concurrence for Mkhwanazi's appointment as national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Hawks. The appointment is not final until cabinet concurs, and must then be reported to parliament.
When
27 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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