KZN Premier Endorses Mkhwanazi for Second Term as Provincial Police Commissioner
Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has formally endorsed Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for a second term as the province's police commissioner. The endorsement, which aligns with Section 207 of the Constitution, comes as Mkhwanazi is scheduled to return to Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating alleged capture of the criminal justice system.
Ntuli officially issued his concurrence for the renewal of Mkhwanazi's contract on Thursday morning, following a meeting with national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola. Mkhwanazi's initial contract is set to expire in March.
According to Ntuli's spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, the Premier expressed strong confidence in Mkhwanazi's leadership, professionalism, and ethical standards throughout his tenure as provincial commissioner. "During the engagement, Premier Ntuli expressed firm confidence in the leadership, professionalism, and ethical standards demonstrated by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi throughout his tenure as provincial commissioner," Mbatha stated.
Mbatha emphasised that the extension would ensure an "effective and stable" environment, particularly as the province continues to grapple with complex and persistent crime challenges. Ntuli's endorsement is in line with Section 207(3) of the Constitution, which mandates Masemola to appoint a provincial commissioner after the provincial executive committee has endorsed its preferred candidate.
Mbatha highlighted Mkhwanazi's widespread recognition for his decisive and hands-on approach to policing, as well as his efforts to strengthen operational coordination within the SAPS and with other law enforcement agencies.
"Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi has earned widespread recognition for his decisive and hands-on approach to policing, as well as for strengthening operational coordination within the SAPS and with other law enforcement agencies," Mbatha said.
He further noted that Mkhwanazi's leadership has been instrumental in implementing targeted and intelligence-driven interventions to combat serious and violent crime, including political killings, organised crime, extortion, and other priority offences that have historically undermined stability in the province. This is especially pertinent as the country approaches the local government elections.
"Under his leadership, targeted and intelligence-driven interventions have been implemented to combat serious and violent crime, including political killings, organised crime, extortion, and other priority offences that have historically undermined stability in the province, particularly as the country approaches the local government elections," he said.
Ntuli also acknowledged that these interventions have "contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in law enforcement and reinforcing the rule of law, especially in communities most affected by crime and instability."
Mbatha emphasised the commissioner's pivotal role in addressing KwaZulu-Natal's high crime rates, including political killings and extortion. "The commissioner’s role has been pivotal in addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s high crime rates, including political killings and extortion," said Mbatha.
Ntuli himself stated, "I have consistently maintained that there is no basis not to recommend a police officer of the calibre of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue with the work he is doing."
Mkhwanazi has also been recognised for his efforts in exposing corruption within the SAPS, which implicated high-ranking officials and led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission.
In July, Mkhwanazi held a media briefing where he revealed the extent of the corruption within the SAPS and alleged interference by politicians in police work. During the press briefing, Mkhwanazi implicated then-police minister Senzo Mchunu and suspended deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya as being central to the corruption within the SAPS.
Following these serious allegations, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on gardening leave and established the Madlanga Commission. Parliament also initiated its own investigation to examine Mkhwanazi's claims through an ad hoc committee. Mkhwanazi has since appeared before both the Madlanga Commission and the ad hoc committee to answer questions regarding the allegations he made during his media briefing.
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