SAPS CONGRATULATES 31-YEAR-OLD BRIGADIER DINEO MOKWELE ON HER RECOGNITION AT TONIGHT'S WHISTLEBLOWERS AWARDS The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, congratulates 31-year-old Brigadier Dineo Mokwele who will receive the Integrity Under Fire Special Award at this evening’s 2026 Whistleblower Awards. Appointed to the rank of Brigadier in 2024, Brigadier Mokwele's recognition highlights her exceptional courage, humility and steadfast integrity in the face of extraordinary institutional adversity, as well as her enduring commitment to truth, justice and ethical public service. The award further acknowledges her pursuit of excellence and determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. General Masemola says Brigadier Mokwele's recognition is a testament to her resilience, professionalism and commitment to serving the organisation despite the challenges she has faced in recent months. “Brigadier Mokwele's recognition at the Whistleblower Awards is commendable. Her resilience and steadfast commitment to professionalism in the face of adversity demonstrate the importance of integrity, ethical conduct and accountability in public service. We applaud her courage and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition,” says General Masemola. Brigadier Mokwele holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Engineering and a National Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering. Her professional development includes leadership training, project management and international training in Intensive Service Design at Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland. She was appointed Section Head: Technical Support Services within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division in 2024, where she led technical teams and managed workshops, infrastructure and processes supporting intelligence collection and operational delivery. She is currently serving as Acting Section Head: Crime Systems Infrastructure Management within the Technology Management Services division, where she oversees technology projects and coordinates stakeholders to strengthen the reliability, integration and modernisation of crime systems. Drawing on her experience in both the private sector, including BMW South Africa, and the SAPS, Brigadier Mokwele brings engineering expertise, project management capabilities and systems thinking to improving operational efficiency and service delivery. Her professional journey has unfolded amid significant institutional challenges, including her arrest alongside other senior police officers and questions surrounding her appointment. Throughout these challenges, she has maintained a professional and disciplined approach to her responsibilities. The SAPS reaffirms its commitment to integrity, accountability and continuous improvement, while fostering an inclusive environment that recognises the potential of young professionals, nurtures emerging talent and creates opportunities for the next generation of leaders to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s growth and transformation. @SAPoliceService @propublicaSA @tebogokhaas