Pretoria – Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is in line to be appointed the new head of the Hawks.
Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, announced on Thursday, 29 October 2026, that he has initiated the process of appointing a National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
The post has been vacant since Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya retired last year after about seven years at the helm of the Hawks.
The Acting Minister is now seeking Cabinet’s concurrence for the appointment of Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi as the National Head of the DPCI.
He said the Memorandum to that effect will be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting.
“The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption, and other serious priority offences. This is a priority for the Police Reset Agenda,” Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said.
“The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes.
Fifty-three-year-old Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi is currently serving as the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner.
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