Pretoria:National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has extended his congratulations to Brigadier Dineo Mokwele, who is set to receive the Integrity Under Fire Special Award at the 2026 Whistleblower Awards. The 31-year-old officer is being recognized for her remarkable courage, humility, and unwavering integrity in the face of institutional challenges, alongside her commitment to truth, justice, and ethical public service.
According to South African Government News Agency, General Masemola praised Mokwele's resilience and professionalism, noting that her recognition at the Whistleblower Awards is a testament to her dedication to the SAPS despite recent adversities. He emphasized the importance of her courage and commitment to integrity and ethical conduct in public service.
Brigadier Mokwele, who was appointed to her current rank in 2024, holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Engineering, and a National Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering. Her professional journey includes leadership training, project management, and international training in Intensive Service Design at Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
In her role as Section Head Technical Support Services within the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division, Mokwele has led technical teams and managed workshops, infrastructure, and processes that support intelligence collection and operational delivery. Currently, she is serving as Acting Section Head Crime Systems Infrastructure Management within the Technology Management Services division, where she oversees technology projects and coordinates stakeholders to enhance the reliability and modernisation of crime systems.
Mokwele's career has unfolded amidst significant institutional challenges, including her arrest alongside other senior officers and scrutiny over her appointment. Nevertheless, she has maintained a professional and disciplined approach to her responsibilities. Her background in both the private sector and SAPS brings invaluable engineering expertise, project management skills, and systems thinking to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
The SAPS continues to uphold its commitment to integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement, while fostering an environment that recognizes and nurtures young professionals, encouraging emerging talent, and offering opportunities for the next generation of leaders.