Cachalia asks Cabinet to approve Mkhwanazi as Hawks head

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has asked Cabinet to approve Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as national head of the Hawks, but the proposed appointment cannot proceed without Cabinet’s concurrence. Cachalia submitted a memorandum seeking approval for Mkhwanazi, currently KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial police commissioner, to lead the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks. The Police Ministry said the memorandum would be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting. No date has been set for a decision, and Cabinet has not yet ruled on the request. Under the South African Police Service Act, the police minister appoints the Hawks’ national head with Cabinet’s concurrence. The appointment must then be reported to Parliament. Cabinet’s decision will determine whether the proposal can move forward. The Hawks investigate national priority offences, including serious corruption, organised crime and complex commercial crimes. The directorate has been without a permanent national head since Godfrey Lebeya retired on May 31, 2025, according to one report. Deputy Siphesihle Nkosi has been serving in an acting capacity while the appointment...