KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has publicly called for Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to remain as provincial police commissioner, praising his track record in fighting crime and corruption.
Mkhwanazi, who has led KZN’s police force since 2018, gained national attention after exposing internal corruption and political meddling in SAPS during a July 6 briefing. His outspoken stance has drawn support from residents and activists.
“His fearless leadership has rebuilt public trust in policing,” Ntuli said during a Durban crime operation. “We can’t afford to lose him now.” Under Mkhwanazi, the province has seen stronger anti-crime operations, drug busts and community policing efforts.
While national government must decide on his contract renewal, pressure is growing to retain him. Civil society groups argue his reappointment would signal commitment to ethical leadership. Ntuli warned that removing Mkhwanazi could undermine KZN’s crime-fighting progress.
The decision is being watched as a test of how South Africa handles reformist officials in critical roles.