Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has asked Cabinet to approve the appointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, his office said yesterday.

“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,” the statement said.

“The DPCI plays a critical role in South Africa’s fight against organised crime, corruption and other serious priority offences. This is a priority for the Police Reset Agenda. The appointment of a national head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes,” the statement said.