An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) recommending criminal charges against Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) divisional commissioner for policing, is now in the hands of prosecutors.
Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that the matter has moved beyond investigators and is awaiting a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“Ipid’s docket on the investigation is with the DPP, and we are awaiting a decision and, therefore, cannot engage on this issue until such time as we have received a decision from the DPP,” she said.
Perjury allegations
The case centres on allegations of perjury, relating to claims that Mosikili may have lied under oath in connection with a 2024 incident.
According to an internal Ipid report, investigators found there was sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case of perjury, leading to the registration of a criminal case and the preparation of a docket for prosecutorial consideration.
The allegations stem from a July 2024 incident at Makro in Centurion, where Mosikili reported the theft of a state-issued cellphone, bank cards and R10,000 in cash. The matter later drew scrutiny after claims emerged that she had attempted to purchase appliances through unofficial channels and was scammed when empty boxes were delivered.
Private settlement raised eyebrows
The suspects allegedly repaid the money after a case was opened, after which the criminal case against them was withdrawn – a move that Ipid said raised concerns about whether a serious matter had effectively been turned into a private settlement.
Investigators flagged several irregularities in the handling of the case. These included the absence of the original statement in the docket and the late commissioning of a replacement statement weeks after the incident, raising concerns that key evidence may have been reconstructed.
Ipid also noted that while the loss of a state-issued cellphone – potentially containing sensitive information – required thorough investigation, Mosikili “did not appear eager” for that aspect of the case to be pursued.
On the core allegation, the watchdog found that Mosikili’s statements were “materially contradictory… not minor or peripheral but related directly to the material facts”, forming the basis for the perjury finding.
Mosikili denies wrongdoing
Mosikili has denied wrongdoing. In a sworn statement, she argued that documents used against her had been altered and did not reflect her original version. She said differences in statements were part of standard investigative processes.
The senior officer, who has more than three decades of service, remains one of the most powerful figures in the SAPS and has repeatedly acted in the top post. Her role includes overseeing visible policing and coordinating national security operations through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
With the docket now before the DPP, prosecutors must decide whether there is a reasonable prospect of success to proceed with charges, send the matter back for further investigation, or decline to prosecute.
Until that decision is made, both Ipid have declined further comment – leaving the future of the high-profile perjury case hanging on prosecutorial review.
- An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) recommending criminal charges against Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) divisional commissioner for policing, is now in the hands of prosecutors.
- Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that the matter has moved beyond investigators and is awaiting a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
- “Ipid’s docket on the investigation is with the DPP, and we are awaiting a decision and, therefore, cannot engage on this issue until such time as we have received a decision from the DPP,” she said.
- Perjury allegations The case centres on allegations of perjury, relating to claims that Mosikili may have lied under oath in connection with a 2024 incident.
- According to an internal Ipid report, investigators found there was sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case of perjury, leading to the registration of a criminal case and the preparation of a docket for prosecutorial consideration.
An investigation by the
Ipid spokesperson Lizzy
“Ipid’s docket on the investigation is with the DPP, and we are awaiting a decision and, therefore, cannot engage on this issue until such time as we have received a decision from the DPP,” she said.
Investigators flagged several irregularities in the handling of the case.
Ipid also noted that while the loss of a state-issued cellphone – potentially containing sensitive information – required thorough investigation, Mosikili “did not appear eager” for that aspect of the case to be pursued.
On the core allegation, the watchdog found that Mosikili’s statements were “materially contradictory… not minor or peripheral but related directly to the material facts”, forming the basis for the perjury finding.
Mosikili has denied wrongdoing. In a sworn statement, she argued that documents used against her had been altered and did not reflect her original version.
Until that decision is made, both Ipid have declined further comment – leaving the future of the high-profile perjury case hanging on prosecutorial review.
