Minister Nominates Mkhwanazi to Lead Hawks
South Africa's police minister has nominated Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the new head of the Hawks.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People
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Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachaila has formally nominated Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to serve as the new head of the Hawks. This appointment requires final approval from the Cabinet to become effective.
Why it matters
The Hawks play a central role in South Africa's national strategy for tackling priority crimes, making the leadership transition critical for law enforcement operations.
Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi currently holds a five-year contract extension for provincial police leadership, awarded in March 2026. The position of head of the Hawks has been vacant since the retirement of Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya in May 2025.
The players
Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi
He is a Lieutenant General who currently leads KwaZulu-Natal police and a national team tasked with fighting organised crime.
Firoz Cachaila
He serves as the acting Minister of Police responsible for the nomination process.
Godfrey Lebeya
He is the former head of the Hawks who retired from the position in May 2025.
Siphesihle Nkosi
He currently holds the position of head of the Hawks.
Phumelele Makoba
He is the Major General currently serving as the acting provincial commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal police.
The details
Mkhwanazi is presently responsible for heading a national team focused on combating organised crime. Should the nomination be confirmed by the Cabinet, he would succeed Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi, who is currently serving as the head of the Hawks.
Timeline
May 2025: Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya retired from his post.
March 2026: Mkhwanazi received a five-year contract extension for his provincial command.
29 October 2026: The nomination for the new head of the Hawks was officially announced.
Market Landscape
This nomination marks a significant transition in national law enforcement, following the established procedures defined by the South African Police Service Act requirements for executive appointments. It shifts the leadership structure of the country's primary investigative body against a backdrop of ongoing efforts to stabilise national security operations.
The transition in leadership at the Hawks may influence national strategies concerning the investigation of high-priority crimes. Citizens should watch for official Cabinet announcements to determine when the new appointment will formally commence.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new national head for the Hawks remains subject to high-level government approval processes. Stability in this investigative role is considered vital for the ongoing effectiveness of anti-organised crime units across the nation.
Further reading
Find more updates regarding leadership changes within the country by visiting People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Isolezwe.
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