Africa-Press – South-Africa. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has been appointed to lead a new national crime-fighting initiative aimed at dismantling organised syndicates across South Africa.
While his contract as provincial commissioner was recently renewed, Mkhwanazi will now balance his local duties with this broader national mandate. He confirmed that he will remain the head of police in KwaZulu-Natal but will no longer be based in the province at all times.
Mkhwanazi stated that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola handpicked him to play a leading role in a comprehensive strategy to combat organised crime. This appointment comes as the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensifies its focus on high-level criminal networks.
According to Mkhwanazi, Masemola briefed KZN Premier Thami Ntuli regarding the dual role during recent discussions surrounding the renewal of his second term.
Premier Ntuli formally congratulated Mkhwanazi during the launch of the new Provincial Forensic Laboratory in Durban today, describing the appointment as well-deserved.
Addressing the commissioner directly, Ntuli highlighted the importance of the new unit:
“I also want to say congratulations once more to you, not only for the contract but for being appointed to another task, to establish a national task team on specialised crime in the country.”
The move is seen as a vote of confidence in Mkhwanazi’s leadership, following his high-profile efforts to curb crime within the KZN province. Details regarding the specific structure and timeline of the national task team are expected to be released by the national office in due course.
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