KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has given his formal backing to Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue as the province’s Police Commissioner, citing the need for stability and continuity in the fight against serious and violent crime.
Ntuli’s endorsement comes as Mkhwanazi’s current contract is due to expire in March and at a time when the commissioner remains under national scrutiny through Parliament’s Ad hoc committee investigating allegations of justice system capture.
The Premier issued his concurrence on Thursday morning following consultations with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, in line with Section 207 of the Constitution, which requires provincial input in the appointment of provincial police commissioners.
According to Ntuli’s spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, the Premier expressed strong confidence in Mkhwanazi’s leadership, professionalism and ethical conduct, noting that the province continues to face complex and persistent crime challenges.
Under Mkhwanazi’s leadership, KwaZulu-Natal has seen the implementation of targeted, intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling political killings, organised crime, extortion and other priority crimes that have long destabilised the province. These interventions, Ntuli noted, have played a significant role in restoring public confidence in law enforcement and strengthening the rule of law, particularly in communities hardest hit by crime.
The endorsement clears the way for National Commissioner Masemola to proceed with the renewal process, following the required concurrence from the provincial executive.
Ntuli said there was no reason not to recommend Mkhwanazi for a second term, adding that the commissioner’s continued leadership would be critical as the province works to curb high crime levels and maintain stability ahead of upcoming local government elections.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has given his formal backing to Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue as the province’s Police Commissioner, citing the need for stability and continuity in the fight against serious and violent crime.
Ntuli’s endorsement comes as Mkhwanazi’s current contract is due to expire in March and at a time when the commissioner remains under national scrutiny through Parliament’s Ad hoc committee investigating allegations of justice system capture.
The Premier issued his concurrence on Thursday morning following consultations with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, in line with Section 207 of the Constitution, which requires provincial input in the appointment of provincial police commissioners.
According to Ntuli’s spokesperson, Lindelani Mbatha, the Premier expressed strong confidence in Mkhwanazi’s leadership, professionalism and ethical conduct, noting that the province continues to face complex and persistent crime challenges.
Under Mkhwanazi’s leadership, KwaZulu-Natal has seen the implementation of targeted, intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling political killings, organised crime, extortion and other priority crimes that have long destabilised the province. These interventions, Ntuli noted, have played a significant role in restoring public confidence in law enforcement and strengthening the rule of law, particularly in communities hardest hit by crime.
The endorsement clears the way for National Commissioner Masemola to proceed with the renewal process, following the required concurrence from the provincial executive.
Ntuli said there was no reason not to recommend Mkhwanazi for a second term, adding that the commissioner’s continued leadership would be critical as the province works to curb high crime levels and maintain stability ahead of upcoming local government elections.
