Second term on the cards for KZN police chief

KWAZULU-NATAL Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has formally agreed to the renewal of Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's contract for a second term.

The decision follows a meeting between Ntuli and the national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, where discussions focused on the future of Mkhwanazi, whose current term ends on March 20. 

Ntuli said he had full confidence in Mkhwanazi’s leadership, professionalism, and ethical conduct, and stressed that stable leadership in the SAPS is critical to the safety, stability, and socio-economic development of the province, particularly given KwaZulu-Natal’s ongoing crime challenges.

He said that in terms of section 207(3) of the Constitution, the National Commissioner is required, subject to the concurrence of the provincial executive, to appoint a Provincial Commissioner for each province.

According to the premier, Mkhwanazi was widely recognised for his hands-on and decisive approach to policing and for strengthening co-ordination within the SAPS and with other law enforcement agencies.

Under his leadership, said Ntuli, police have implemented targeted, intelligence-driven interventions aimed at tackling serious and violent crime, including political killings, organised crime, and extortion.

The Premier said these interventions had played a significant role in restoring public confidence in law enforcement and reinforcing the rule of law, particularly in communities most affected by crime and instability, as the country moves closer to the local government elections.

“The Commissioner’s role has been pivotal in addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s high crime rates, including political killings and extortion,” Ntuli said. “I have consistently maintained that there’s no basis not to recommend a police officer of the calibre of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue with the work he is doing.”

Ntuli also emphasised the importance of leadership continuity, saying sustained and consistent efforts are needed to consolidate progress in the fight against crime. He added that Mkhwanazi’s discipline, work ethic, and commitment to ethical and accountable policing align with the values of the provincial government and the expectations of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Premier reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for the renewal of Mkhwanazi’s contract and its commitment to working closely with the SAPS and national law enforcement structures to ensure safer communities, effective crime prevention, and the protection of all residents of the province.

Last July, Mkhwanazi called a press briefing where he publicly accused senior government officials of wrongdoing. One of the allegations was that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had interfered in criminal investigations and had links to criminal networks. 

Mchunu was subsequently placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa pending an inquiry. It also resulted in the appointment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to look into possible political interference in law enforcement, as well as the role of organised crime in the justice system.  Firoz Cachalia was appointed Police Minister in Mchunu’s absence.