Pretoria:The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has initiated the process to appoint a new National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks. This move is in accordance with the powers vested in him by the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995.

According to South African Government News Agency, Cachalia aims to appoint Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who currently serves as the Police Commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal, to the position of National Head of the DPCI. The appointment requires the concurrence of the Cabinet as stipulated by Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the Act, and must be reported to Parliament.

The Acting Minister has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking the necessary concurrence for Mkhwanazi's appointment, which will be presented at an upcoming Cabinet meeting. The DPCI is instrumental in combating organized crime, corruption, and other serious offences, and the appointment of a new National Head is seen as a crucial step in ensuring effective leadership and strategic direction in these areas.

Currently, Lieutenant General Siphesihle Nkosi is serving as the Acting National Head of the Hawks.