Cachalia moves to name Mkhwanazi as new Hawks national head

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has started the process of choosing a permanent national head for the Hawks, the police’s specialised unit for serious crimes. His preferred candidate is Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, currently the Police Commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal, according to SAnews.

The Police Ministry announced the step in a statement on Thursday. The Hawks are formally known as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

How the appointment works

Under the South African Police Service Act, the Minister of Police makes this appointment, but he needs Cabinet to agree to it. The law also says the appointment must be reported to Parliament.

Cachalia has already handed in a Cabinet memorandum asking for that agreement for Mkhwanazi. According to the ministry, the document will go before Cabinet at the first opportunity during one of its sittings. No date has been given, and Cabinet has not yet made a decision.

Why the post matters

The ministry described the Hawks as playing an important part in tackling organised crime, corruption and other serious priority offences. It said filling the top job is a priority under its Police Reset Agenda.

In the ministry’s words, having a permanent national head is important for leadership, strategic direction and effective operations in dealing with these crimes.

For now, Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi is the Acting National Head of the Hawks.

What this means for ordinary South Africans

Nothing changes immediately. Mkhwanazi is only the proposed candidate, and he cannot take up the position unless Cabinet agrees. The steps to watch are:

• Cabinet considering the memorandum at one of its coming sittings;
• an announcement of whether it concurs with the proposed appointment;
• the appointment being reported to Parliament if it goes ahead.

The Hawks investigate corruption and organised crime, so who leads the unit is closely followed by those who want to see action on such cases.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.