KZN Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has confirmed that provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will remain in his post after his contract was officially renewed.
Image: Tumi Pakkies Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will serve another term after his contract was officially renewed, KZN Premier Thami Ntuli confirmed.
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 that 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, known for his tough stance on crime, 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 ended 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.
Mkhwanazi’s appearance before the parliamentary committee followed his high-profile media briefing on July 6, 2025, which triggered an inquiry into alleged corruption, political interference, and institutional capture within SAPS.
During that briefing, he implicated several senior officials, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and suspended deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.
Ntuli previously said it would be “quite unfortunate” if Mkhwanazi’s contract was not renewed.
“The leadership provided by a police officer of integrity is very important for our province,” he said.
He added that public trust in the police had improved as officers took action against wrongdoing within their own ranks.
“When you analyse quarterly statistics, most crime categories in KwaZulu-Natal are decreasing, which is a positive sign,” Ntuli said.
He added that stronger cooperation between communities, safety structures, and law enforcement would further strengthen crime-fighting efforts.
“That is why, as the province, we are saying it is important to bring certainty and conclude the process of the contract renewal,” he said.
Masemola had previously confirmed that Mkhwanazi would remain in his post for another five-year term, with final details still being finalised.
“He is prepared to serve. We are finalising the details,” Masemola previously told the committee.
Meanwhile, Masemola has been summoned to appear in court next month over a controversial R360 million SAPS tender, amid mounting calls for his suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Masemola was formally served with a summons on Wednesday afternoon and is expected to appear in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on April 21.
Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia confirmed that Masemola had been charged under Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), though he does not face corruption charges.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed the court date but declined further comment.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the case relates to the Medicare24 procurement tender and confirmed that Masemola would comply with legal processes.
The case is linked to the arrest of 12 senior police officers facing allegations of fraud, money laundering, and PFMA violations.
At the centre of the investigation is businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, whose alleged connections to the contract have triggered a broader probe into procurement irregularities within SAPS.
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