KZN premier endorses second term for General Mkhwanazi

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has officially endorsed a second term for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the SAPS provincial commissioner.

This follows a meeting with the SAPS national commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, which focused on discussions regarding the future of Mkhwanazi, whose current term of office is due to conclude on 30 March.

ALSO READ: Normal operations continue at police stations amid damning allegations

During the engagement, Premier Ntuli expressed firm confidence in the leadership, professionalism and ethical standards demonstrated by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi throughout his tenure as KZN provincial commissioner.

He emphasised that effective and stable leadership within the SAPS remains critical to the safety, stability and socio-economic development of KZN, particularly in light of the province’s complex and persistent crime challenges.

In terms of Section 207(3) of the Constitution, the national commissioner is required, subject to the concurrence of the provincial executive (the premier), to appoint a provincial commissioner for each province.

“The commissioner’s role has been pivotal in addressing KZN’s high crime rates, including political killings and extortion. I have consistently maintained that there is no basis not to recommend a police officer of the calibre of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to continue with the work he is doing,” said Ntuli

Mkhwanazi has earned widespread recognition for his decisive and hands-on approach to policing, as well as for strengthening operational coordination within the SAPS and with other law enforcement agencies.

Under his leadership, targeted and intelligence-driven interventions have been implemented to combat serious and violent crime, including political killings, organised crime, extortion and other priority offences that have historically undermined stability in the province, particularly as the country approaches the local government elections.

Ntuli noted that these interventions have contributed significantly to restoring public confidence in law enforcement and reinforcing the rule of law, especially in communities most affected by crime and instability.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY