“I certainly have come to the conclusion that what we needed in the leadership of the DPCI was someone who is dynamic, strategic, who is appreciated by the public and who has the capabilities to take the fight to the cartels,” said Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. This decision set in motion the formal appointment process on Thursday, October 29, 2026, to name KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the new national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
Appointment Process Initiated for Hawks Leadership Post
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia initiated the appointment process under the powers vested in him by the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995. Cachalia submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking concurrence to appoint Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to lead the specialized unit, which investigates serious priority crimes including organized crime and corruption. The position has remained vacant since the May 2025 retirement of former Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, with Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi serving in an interim acting capacity.
According to reports from the South African Government News Agency and EWN, the Ministry stated that the post had to be advertised twice because no suitable candidate emerged initially. The formal appointment requires Cabinet concurrence and must be reported to Parliament in accordance with Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the Act. However, Marcus Moloko reported for Inside Politic that Mkhwanazi publicly ruled himself out of contention, stating he has no interest in applying for the post and intends to finish his remaining year as provincial commissioner.
Paul O’Sullivan threatens court challenge over Mkhwanazi’s proposed Hawks appointmenthttps://t.co/upVWoHwRKW
Forensic investigator threatens legal action over appointment
The appointment process triggered immediate pushback from forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan. Acting on behalf of Forensics for Justice, O’Sullivan warned that his organization would legally challenge the appointment unless the government suspended the process or opened it to public scrutiny. O’Sullivan argues that Mkhwanazi fails to meet the “fit and proper person” requirement stipulated in Section 17CA(1)(b) of the SAPS Act, citing criminal conduct allegations he previously submitted to Parliament’s ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission. These allegations have not been established as fact, and KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda stated that Mkhwanazi would not comment on the matter.
Political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu suggested that O’Sullivan’s opposition stems from personal grievances and concerns over losing investigative access, rather than public interest. This tension traces back to a July 2025 media briefing where Mkhwanazi, dressed in Special Task Force combat fatigues and accompanied by armed tactical officers, publicly accused O’Sullivan of operating as a foreign intelligence operative. O’Sullivan rejected those claims during February 10 testimony before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, though he acknowledged past counterterrorism and counterintelligence work for the British Army.
Did You Know? The legal standoff follows a series of high-profile legal battles between the two men, which includes a R5-million defamation claim instituted by Mkhwanazi in the South Gauteng High Court and a subsequent R10-million counterclaim filed by O’Sullivan in October 2025.
Analysis of Motives and Personal Agenda Claims
Independent security analysts have weighed in on the intensifying dispute surrounding the Hawks leadership vacancy. Chad Thomas, chief executive of IRS Forensic Investigations, asserted that O’Sullivan uses Forensics for Justice to advance a personal agenda.
O’Sullivan previously leveled allegations against Mkhwanazi and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola regarding luxury Louis Vuitton bags purportedly containing R100,000 each from businessman Inbanathan Kistiah. During his June testimony at the Madlanga Commission, O’Sullivan conceded that he lacked proof to substantiate those claims.
Expert Insight: The public clash between high-ranking police leadership and prominent forensic investigators highlights deep institutional friction within South Africa’s security apparatus. As the executive branch presses forward with leadership renewals under the Police Reset Agenda, collateral disputes over personal credibility and past legal battles threaten to overshadow critical anti-corruption operations.
Questions surrounding the legislative appointment process
What legislative act governs the appointment of the national head of the Hawks?
The appointment is governed by Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995, which requires the Minister of Police to secure Cabinet concurrence and report the selection to Parliament.
Who has been serving as the acting head of the DPCI prior to this process?
Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi has been serving as the Acting National Head of the Hawks following the retirement of Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya in May 2025.
O’Sullivan Threatens Court Action Over Mkhwanazi’s Proposed Hawks AppointmentForensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has threatened to approach the courts to block Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s proposed appointment as the national head of the Hawks.O’Sullivan… pic.twitter.com/JhoVYxMxmo
What specific grounds does Paul O’Sullivan use to object to Mkhwanazi’s appointment?
O’Sullivan argues that Mkhwanazi does not meet the “fit and proper person” requirement under Section 17CA(1)(b) of the SAPS Act, pointing to unverified allegations of serious criminal conduct submitted to Parliament’s ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission.
How will Cabinet respond to the memorandum seeking concurrence for Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi’s appointment amid his stated refusal to apply for the post?
More on Sullivan
O’Sullivan threatens legal action if Mkhwanazi becomes Hawks headhttps://t.co/iy97LFXhnc
Paul O’Sullivan has vowed to approach the courts to block the possible appointment of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the national head of the Hawks.O’Sullivan maintains that Mkhwanazi is unsuitable for the position, citing concerns… pic.twitter.com/cInTvS7zAe
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