KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has urged the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (Saps), Fannie Masemola, to expedite the renewal of KZN Provincial Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s contract.
Mkhwanazi is set to remain in his position, after Masemola on Tuesday confirmed that KZN’s top cop’s contract will be renewed for another term.
Contract
Mkhwanazi’s contract was due to expire at the end of March.
“We are in the process of finalising those details. So yes, he will still be Provincial Commissioner of KZN,” said Masemola, adding that his decision had the backing of the KZN Provincial Government.
Ntuli officially endorsed Mkhwanazi for a second term in January this year, saying he wanted the top cop in charge of policing in his province.
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‘Uncertainty
Ntuli’s spokesperson, Bongani Gina, said the delay in finalising the process has begun to create “uncertainty among members of the public and key stakeholders.”
“During the previous engagement, Premier Ntuli expressed firm confidence in the leadership, professionalism, and ethical standards demonstrated by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi throughout his tenure as Provincial Commissioner.
“The Premier emphasised that effective and stable leadership within the police service remains critical to the safety, stability, and socio-economic development of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in light of the province’s complex and persistent crime challenges,” said Gina.
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‘Pivotal’
Ntuli said Mkhwanazi 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 important work he is doing.”
Crime fighting
Ntuli further underscored the importance of continuity in leadership, particularly at a time when sustained and consistent efforts are required to consolidate the gains made in the fight against crime.
“Continuity in leadership is critical, particularly at a time when sustained and consistent efforts are required to consolidate the gains made in the fight against crime. Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi’s discipline, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to ethical and accountable policing reflect the values and expectations of both the Provincial Government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Ntuli reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s full support for the renewal of Mkhwanazi’s contract.
Police corruption
Mkhwanazi has been in the spotlight following an explosive briefing on 6 July 2025 in which he alleged political interference in police operations, claiming that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, had meddled in police operations.
The allegations are being probed at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and Parliament’s ad hoc committee
A parliamentary ad hoc committee has also been set up to investigate Mkhwanazi’s claims, operating separately from the judicial commission.
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