KZN government calls for reinstatement of Mkhwanazi as province’s top cop

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial government is calling on the National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, to expedite the reinstatement of Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the province's top cop.

Mkhwanazi’s term as provincial police commissioner will lapse at the end of March.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said Mkhwanazi deserves a second term for his impressive strides in fighting crime.

Ntuli, who is also the head of community safety in the province, wants Mkhwanazi to return as police head, calling for the renewal of his contract.

Mkhwanazi, who is popular for his no-nonsense approach to corruption, quickly became controversial for his July 2025 presser, where he made explosive claims of political interference within law enforcement agencies.

READ | From KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s bombshell to the Madlanga Commission: A timeline of the police crisis

In December, the premier recommended Mkhwanazi's reappointment to the national commissioner.

Spokesperson Lindelani Mbatha said, “The delay in finalising the process has begun to create uncertainty among members of the public and key stakeholders.”

He added that the provincial government is more than ready to have Mkhwanazi run the KZN division of the South African Police Service (SAPS) again.

“Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for the renewal of Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi’s contract and reiterated its commitment to working closely with the South African Police Service and national law enforcement structures to ensure safer communities, effective crime prevention, and the protection of all residents of KwaZulu-Natal.”

The national commissioner is yet to make his decision public in this regard.

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