Brigadier Dineo Mokwele’s academic qualifications came under intense scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission after the prosecutor who authorised fraud and corruption charges against her admitted she had never reviewed Mokwele’s CV before approving the case.
The revelation emerged during Thursday’s proceedings when Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head advocate Andrea Johnson conceded that the information she relied on when authorising the prosecution was inaccurate. The admission followed the presentation of Mokwele’s extensive academic record before the commission.
Brigadier Dineo Mokwele Qualifications Become Focus Of Madlanga Commission
Documents presented to the commission showed that Brigadier Dineo Mokwele holds a National Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. The commission also heard that she is currently studying towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Johnson acknowledged that she had not examined Mokwele’s application for the specialist Crime Intelligence position before authorising criminal charges. She further admitted she was unaware that Mokwele was pursuing an MBA.
Under questioning from Co-Commissioner Sandile Khumalo, Johnson accepted that she did not know the full extent of Mokwele’s qualifications.
“Do you know what her qualifications are?” Khumalo asked.
“Not all her qualifications, no,” Johnson replied.
Khumalo questioned how Johnson could make a sworn statement claiming Mokwele was unsuitable for the position without first confirming what qualifications she possessed.
IDAC Prosecutor Concedes Investigation Relied On Incorrect Information
The commission compared the advertised requirements for the Crime Intelligence post with Mokwele’s academic credentials. Khumalo also pressed Johnson on what evidence supported the fraud and corruption charges brought against Mokwele.
Johnson told the commission that she had relied on information supplied by investigators rather than verifying the details herself.
“I relied on the briefing from my team,” she told the commission. “The facts I received then were incorrect.”
[Seven High-Calibre Rifles, Including SANDF Weapons, Seized In Daveyton Cash-In-Transit Heist Bust]
Johnson also withdrew her earlier description of Mokwele’s appointment as a “token appointment”, acknowledging that the characterisation had been inaccurate.
Khumalo criticised the investigation, saying IDAC had failed to properly assess the available evidence before pursuing serious criminal charges. He also argued that the approach had misled the courts.
Brigadier Dineo Mokwele Appointment Linked To Specialist Crime Intelligence Role
Evidence before the commission showed that Crime Intelligence advertised the position of head of Technical Support Services three times before identifying a suitable candidate. The role required highly specialised technical expertise.
Mokwele, who previously worked as a BMW mechatronics engineer and had no policing background, was ultimately appointed to the position. She received the rank of brigadier because of the specialised nature of the role.
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
Earlier evidence from Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo supported both her appointment and rank. He told the commission that the position required rare technical skills and that only a limited number of applicants met the required standard.
Despite those circumstances, Mokwele, Lieutenant-General Khumalo and several other officials were arrested by IDAC in June last year on fraud and corruption charges linked to her appointment. They have since been released on bail and have asked the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to review the investigation.
