KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has shut down speculation that he is vying for the top position in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. Mkhwanazi made it clear that he prefers to be part of on-the-ground police work rather than move into a higher administrative role.
Media Reports and Speculation
Recent media reports suggested that Mkhwanazi, along with Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya (responsible for crime detection) and Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili (responsible for policing), was interested in applying for the position of Hawks National Head.
The post will be vacant in May when the current head, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, completes his term. Speculation about who would take over has been mounting, with several high-ranking police officials being named as potential candidates.
However, Mkhwanazi has been firm in denying any interest in the position.
Mkhwanazi: “I Will Never Apply for the Hawks Post”
Speaking to the Portfolio Committee on Police on Wednesday, Mkhwanazi set the record straight, stating:
“If anyone feels that I was going to pursue any post beyond this, they are mistaken. I know there are colleagues who are eager for posts that are going to be vacant.”
The Lieutenant-General made it clear that he has never aspired to move up the ranks into a high-level investigative role. Instead, his passion lies in directly confronting criminals.
A Career Built on Action, Not Administration
Mkhwanazi reflected on his career path within the South African Police Service (SAPS), explaining that his goal has always been to engage with crime at the front lines rather than focus on investigative work.
“When I joined the SAPS, it was my resolve to face the criminals directly. That’s why I joined the Public Order Police unit. And from there, I moved to the Special Task Force. I never wanted to be a detective specifically because I wanted to be involved with the real action, which is a combination of both investigation and combatting, in the main.”
Mkhwanazi’s comments reinforce his reputation as a hands-on police officer, deeply involved in crime prevention and enforcement operations rather than focusing solely on investigations.
Commitment to Completing His Current Term
Mkhwanazi also confirmed that he intends to serve out the remainder of his contract as the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, which has about a year left before expiring.
“I will never submit my application for the post of DPCI. I remain here to see to it my contract is done, a contract that has got a year to go before it ends. And I will do my job, and from there, I will go home and relax.”
His statement puts an end to any rumors that he might be positioning himself for a national role within the Hawks. Instead, it appears that once his term as KZN Police Commissioner is complete, Mkhwanazi may step away from policing altogether.
What This Means for the Hawks Leadership Race
With Mkhwanazi out of the running, attention now turns to other potential candidates for the Hawks’ top position. The DPCI head plays a critical role in leading South Africa’s fight against organized crime, corruption, and other priority crimes.
While Shadrack Sibiya and Tebello Mosikili have not made any public statements regarding their interest in the post, their senior roles in SAPS make them strong contenders.
The appointment of a new Hawks head will be closely watched, as South Africa continues to battle rising crime rates, corruption, and political interference in law enforcement.
Conclusion
Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s firm stance on staying out of the Hawks leadership race shows his dedication to operational policing rather than administrative positions. His focus remains on serving out his contract as KZN’s top cop before moving on to the next chapter of his life.
With the search for a new Hawks head continuing, the spotlight is now on other high-ranking officials who may step up to fill the position when Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya exits in May.