Dear President Cyril Ramaphosa,

We, the citizens of South Africa, humbly submit this motivation for the urgent appointment of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Lucky Mkhwanazi as the National Police Commissioner. His exemplary leadership in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and unwavering commitment to his oath to “serve and protect” make him the ideal candidate to lead the South African Police Service (SAPS) nationally and address the persistent challenge of crime that has plagued our nation.

Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi has proven himself to be a principled and effective leader in KZN, where his decisive and no-nonsense approach to crime has yielded tangible results. Under his stewardship, KZN has seen significant strides in combating serious crimes, including a reported double-digit decrease in robbery, hijacking, and murders. His proactive strategies, such as fostering collaboration between police stations and communities through monthly Imbizos, have strengthened public trust and enhanced crime-fighting efforts. His ability to swiftly resolve high-profile cases, such as those involving murder and extortion, has earned him widespread praise from South Africans who yearn for safety and security.

Mkhwanazi’s commitment to his oath is evident in his refusal to bow to external pressures or engage in corrupt practices. He has consistently demonstrated integrity, as seen in his clearance by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) following baseless allegations of interference in 2023. His focus on rooting out corruption within the SAPS, including tackling the misuse of secret funds and confronting criminal syndicates, underscores his dedication to upholding the law and protecting citizens. 

In contrast, successive National Police Commissioners have struggled to curb the rising tide of crime across South Africa. Despite their efforts, crime rates remain alarmingly high, and public confidence in the SAPS has waned. The current National Commissioner, General Fanie Masemola, has not achieved the level of success seen in KZN under Mkhwanazi’s leadership. South Africans are frustrated by the lack of progress in reducing violent crime, corruption, and lawlessness, which continue to undermine our nation’s stability and prosperity. If the mantra “the people shall govern” is to hold true, the voices of South Africans calling for Mkhwanazi’s promotion must be heeded. Social media platforms, particularly X, are abuzz with praise for his work, with many citizens explicitly urging his appointment as National Commissioner.

Furthermore, we urge you to reconsider the leadership of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) under Ms. Shamila Batohi. While Ms. Batohi has made efforts to address high-profile corruption cases, many South Africans believe that the NPA has not kept pace with the urgency required to complement the SAPS’s crime-fighting efforts. To restore public faith in the justice system, we respectfully request that you evaluate her performance and consider new leadership to align with the bold, results-driven approach exemplified by Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi.

President Ramaphosa, the people of South Africa are united in their call for a National Police Commissioner who embodies courage, integrity, and effectiveness. Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Lucky Mkhwanazi has proven himself to be that leader. His track record in KZN, his respect for his oath, and his unwavering commitment to “serve and protect” make him the right choice to lead the SAPS. We implore you to act swiftly in appointing him as National Police Commissioner, thereby honoring the will of the people and advancing our collective fight against crime.

Yours sincerely,

Crime-Hating South Africans