TikToker arrested for insulting KZN top cop Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a male TikToker for crimen injuria after insulting provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and inciting violence. 

The suspect was arrested on Sunday afternoon, 1 November. 

TIKTOKER ARRESTED FOR INSULTING NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI 

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspect posted a video on his TikTok account insulting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and inciting people to commit violence. 

“After realising that the suspect’s TikTok rant contained criminal elements of crime injuria and incitement of violence, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team opened a case for investigation. The suspect was traced and found at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu where he was arrested,” he said. 

The 38-year-old suspect is set to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 November 2026.

ACTING MINISTER OF POLICE SEEKS CABINENT APPROVAL TO APPOINT MKHWANAZI AS HAWKS BOSS

Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking approval to appoint Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

Cachalia has invoked Section 17CA of the South African Police Service Act, which requires Cabinet’s concurrence before the minister appoints a national Hawks head.

The police ministry said Cabinet would consider the memorandum at its earliest available sitting.

The appointment forms part of Cachalia’s Police Reset Agenda, which prioritises the fight against organised crime and corruption.

“The appointment of a National Head is important in ensuring strong leadership, strategic direction and operational effectiveness in addressing these crimes,” the ministry said.