By: Nothando Mchunu
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has formally concurred with the renewal of the contract of Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for a second term.
The decision follows a meeting between Ntuli and South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, where discussions centred on the future of Mkhwanazi’s leadership. His current term is set to conclude on 30 March.
Premier Ntuli expressed firm confidence in Mkhwanazi’s leadership, professionalism and ethical standards, noting his role in stabilising policing in the province during a period marked by high levels of violent crime and organised criminal activity.
Mkhwanazi was first appointed as KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Commissioner in 2021 and has since overseen several high-profile crime-fighting operations, including efforts to combat gang violence, extortion syndicates and political killings. KwaZulu-Natal remains one of the country’s most crime-affected provinces, making continuity in leadership a key priority for provincial and national authorities.
The renewal of his contract is subject to final approval processes within SAPS, in line with national regulations governing senior appointments.
