Mkhwanazi tipped to become new Hawks head as Cachalia seeks Cabinet approval

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has initiated the process to appoint Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.

In a statement on Thursday, October 29, the ministry said Cachalia had submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking concurrence for Mkhwanazi’s appointment.

The memorandum is expected to be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting.

The appointment process is governed by Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, which provides that the national head of the DPCI is appointed by the Minister of Police with Cabinet’s concurrence.

The Act also requires the appointment to be reported to Parliament.

The DPCI is responsible for investigating serious priority crimes, including organised crime and corruption.

The ministry said appointing a national head was important to ensuring leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in tackling these offences.

It added that combating organised crime and corruption remained a priority under the Police Reset Agenda.