Police boss General Masemola backs Mkhwanazi’s reappointment as KZN police boss

National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has wished KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi well, after he has been reappointed on a five-year fixed-term contract, and called on him to ensure stability and decisive leadership in the province.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that Mkhwanazi has been reappointed.

This comes after weeks of uncertainty and speculation regarding the contract extension of the top cop.

Mkhwanazi will remain the provincial commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal for at least five more years.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms the reappointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the provincial commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal on a five-year fixed term contract,” national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed on Saturday.

He said Mkhwanazi’s reappointment follows consultation with the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli.

“Further details will be provided in due course.”

Mathe said Masemola wished the top cop, who is known for his tough stance on crime, well.

“General Masemola has wished Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi well as he continues to provide stability and decisive leadership in the province of KZN,” she said.

Ealier, IOL News reported that Ntuli confirmed that 

Mkhwanazi will serve another term after his contract was officially renewed.

Ntuli announced on Saturday that the renewal had been finalised.

“On the issue of the contract renewal of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, it has been renewed,” he said.

“The national commissioner (General Fannie Masemola) has written to me, and I have also given concurrence formally and officially. So I do not see an issue regarding that,” Ntuli added.

Ntuli said this while speaking on the sidelines of the crime-fighting imbizo in KwaCaluza, aimed at strengthening efforts against fighting crime and improving community safety.

IOL News previously reported that Ntuli expressed concerns about delays in finalising Mkhwanazi’s contract, which was due to expire at the end of March. 

He said Masemola had not acted quickly enough to formalise the extension, despite previously signalling support.

Mkhwanazi previously told Parliament’s ad hoc committee that he was willing to serve another five-year term. 

He was the last witness to testify as the committee wrapped up its investigation into alleged rot within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Ntuli clarified that provincial police commissioners are appointed by the national commissioner in consultation with provincial premiers. 

He said this consultation took place in December 2024, when Masemola indicated his intention to renew Mkhwanazi’s contract.

“We were in agreement, and that is a good thing. I gave my concurrence to the renewal of the contract,” Ntuli said.

However, he stressed that the contract was set to expire at the end of March and that certainty was necessary.

“Stability and security in any province give confidence to investors, support economic growth, and create opportunities for our people,” he told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.

Ntuli said he had followed up on the matter and met Masemola in Cape Town, describing the discussions as positive. 

He expressed concern, however, about the lack of formalisation as the deadline approached.

“It leaves uncertainty, which is not a good space for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said, adding that there was strong support across the province for Mkhwanazi’s renewal to ensure continued progress in fighting crime.

When asked whether the delay suggested deeper issues, Ntuli said he remained confident the contract would be renewed.

“From the side of General Masemola, I am confident. Our last engagement was progressive, and from the onset he indicated his intention to renew the contract,” he said.

Ntuli emphasised that finalising the process before the current term ends would provide clarity for both Masemola and Mkhwanazi.

“The uncertainty may not only be on the part of the national commissioner but also on the part of the commissioner, who must decide whether to accept the renewal,” he said.

IOL News