KZN govt says it would recommend second term for provincial top cop Mkhwanazi

The KwaZulu-Natal government said it would recommend a second term for provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi’s term as commissioner is set to end in March 2026. However, there is no clarity on whether his contract will be extended.

The provincial government said it’s satisfied with Mkhwanazi’s work to date.

Mkhwanazi recently told Parliament’s ad hoc committee that his contract will lapse in March 2026.

Mkhwanazi testified as a key witness in the committee looking into allegations of political interference in the law enforcement agencies.

These were allegations that the former special task force commander made public himself.

He told the committee that, for now, there are no talks to renew his contract.

When asked about Mkhwanazi’s role and leadership in the police, KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli had this to say: "On the fight that the police are waging on the criminals, one cannot recommend leadership that is showing understanding of the province that are facing the province of KwaZulu-Natal."

Ntuli said it would like to see Mkhwanazi occupying his post for a second term.

"I’ve always maintained that there is no way one can not recommend a police officer like Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue with the work that he is doing."

The premier said the fight against criminals has never been as intense as it has been in Mkhwanazi’s term.