Brigadier Dineo Mokwele, who was among the police officials targeted by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), will receive the Integrity Under Fire Special Award at the 2026 Whistleblower Awards on Monday, 26 October.
In a statement issued on Monday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the recognition of Mokwele, whose criminal charges were withdrawn after the Madlanga Commission exposed alleged shenanigans at IDAC, was a testament to her resilience, professionalism and commitment to serving the organisation despite the challenges she had 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,” Masemola said.
Mokwele, 31, was appointed to the rank of brigadier in 2024. The award recognises her courage, humility and commitment to truth, justice and ethical public service amid institutional challenges.
She 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.
In 2024, she was appointed Section Head of Technical Support Services within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division, where she led technical teams and managed workshops, infrastructure and processes supporting intelligence collection and operational delivery.
She currently serves as Acting Section Head of 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.
Mokwele previously worked in the private sector, including at BMW South Africa, bringing engineering expertise, project management capabilities and systems thinking to improving operational efficiency and service delivery.
The SAPS reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, accountability and continuous improvement, saying it aimed to foster an inclusive environment that recognises young professionals, nurtures emerging talent and creates opportunities for the next generation of leaders to contribute to the organisation’s growth and transformation.
