South African Police Service Chief Financial Officer, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has distanced herself from allegations that she played a role in awarding tenders or authorising operational financial decisions.
Dimpane testified on Tuesday before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating claims of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference within the criminal justice system. The allegations were first raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a media briefing in July.
This week’s hearings are being held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Services Facility in Pretoria, where detainee Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is expected to testify on Wednesday.
Addressing the committee, Dimpane stressed that her responsibilities are strictly financial oversight, not operational decision-making.
“While I oversee financial operations, it is crucial to understand that my role does not include operational decisions,” she said. “Operational decisions are taken by the relevant managers responsible for operations and ultimately by the national commissioner. I am not responsible for contract awards, nor do I have any direct involvement in supply chain management, especially prior to the recent structural changes.”
The committee continues its inquiry this week as it hears from multiple witnesses linked to the allegations.