A deepening scandal has gripped South Africa's law enforcement community after revelations that Brigadier Mapome Mohajane, a high-ranking officer in the Hawks, was quietly released on R10,000 bail following his arrest earlier this year on serious corruption charges. Now, new details have surfaced linking his alleged misconduct to the controversial promotion of his daughter, Dineo Mokwele, to a senior position in SAPS Crime Intelligence.

Mohajane, who was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in January 2025, stands accused of attempting to interfere with a politically sensitive investigation in Limpopo. The case reportedly involves the murder of a councillor believed to be connected to political infighting. Authorities allege that Mohajane tried to bribe the lead investigating officer with promises of tenders, career advancement, and high-level connections to derail the case.

The corruption case took a dramatic turn last week when it was revealed that one of the co-accused in a related corruption probe is none other than Mohajane’s daughter, 30-year-old Dineo Mokwele. Her appointment in 2023 to the rank of Brigadier within SAPS Crime Intelligence — one of the most sensitive arms of the police service — drew widespread criticism and skepticism due to her age and apparent lack of experience in intelligence work.