KwaZulu Natal SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
By Priya Ranchod
Government has formally initiated the process to appoint a new National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, in a move aimed at reinforcing South Africa's fight against organised crime, corruption and other serious offences.
Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi confirmed that Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has exercised the powers vested in him under the South African Police Service Act (Act 68 of 1995) to begin the appointment process.
"The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia has, pursuant to the powers vested in him in terms of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, initiated the process to appoint a National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks," said Mogotsi.
In terms of Section 17CA(1) to (3) of the Act, the appointment of the National Head of the DPCI is made by the Minister of Police, subject to the concurrence of Cabinet. The legislation further requires that Parliament be informed of the appointment.
Mogotsi revealed that the Acting Minister has already taken the next step in the process by submitting a Cabinet Memorandum recommending Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for the position.
"The Acting Minister has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking Cabinet's concurrence for the appointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the National Head of the DPCI. The Memorandum will be presented at the earliest opportunity during a Cabinet sitting," Mogotsi said.
The Hawks play a central role in investigating organised crime, corruption and other priority crimes that threaten the country's security and economic stability. Strengthening the unit remains a key objective of government's Police Reset Agenda.
According to Mogotsi, filling the position is vital to ensuring the continued effectiveness of the specialised investigative unit.
"The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes," he said.
Should Cabinet endorse the recommendation, Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi will assume leadership of the Hawks at a time when government is intensifying efforts to combat complex criminal networks and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
