Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has confirmed he will continue leading the KwaZulu-Natal police for another five years, focusing on reducing crime and achieving a clean audit. Mkhwanazi initially planned to serve only one term but reconsidered after the National Commissioner emphasized the importance of service to the people of South Africa.
According to the South African Police Service website, the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, formally announced Mkhwanazi’s extension during a meeting with KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Management. Masemola stressed the importance of community involvement in policing, saying, “Do not police communities in their absentia. Involve them in your plans, give them roles to play so that they may take accountability of crime in their neighbourhood.”
Key Goals for the Next 5 Years
Mkhwanazi outlined his key goals for the next five years, which include:
- Reducing crime in KwaZulu-Natal
- Achieving a clean audit
- Ensuring communities are satisfied with police services
The KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli, has also confirmed Mkhwanazi’s contract renewal. As noted on the KwaZulu-Natal Government website, the premier expressed his support for Mkhwanazi’s reappointment.
Community Involvement
Masemola emphasized the importance of community involvement in policing, saying, “The community must feel you, both criminals and law-abiding citizens. Now that the uncertainty is gone, the focus must solely be on reducing crime and keeping our communities safe.”
