Pilane's abrupt transfer raises eyebrows
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday May 21, 2025 06:20
However, before he could respond, Pilane received another letter the very next day, informing him that he had been transferred with immediate effect. The former acting DCEC boss is said to have been handling some high profile corruption cases. A letter written on May 15, 2025 by Permanent Secretary to the President, Emmah Peloetletse to Pilane reads: “This serves to notify you about intention to transfer you from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) to the Ministry of Higher Education as Director –Department of Technical and Vocational Education Training. The purpose of this notification letter is to afford you an opportunity to consider the transfer and make any representation that you may have regarding the transfer and make any presentation that you may have regarding the matter.”
Furthermore, Peloetletse said in the event she does not hear from Pilane within seven days of receipt of the letter, then it shall be assumed that he does not wish to make any presentations and a final decision will be made.
As if it was not enough, the following day on May 16, 2025, Peloetletse wrote another letter indicating that Pilane’s transfer is with immediate effect.
The PSP said in her letter: “Please note that the transfer has no effect on your present remuneration and other existing terms and conditions of employment. May I take this opportunity to wish you success in your new work environment and urge you to continue performing responsibilities with the zeal, commitment, and dedication that you always shown.”
When contacted for comment, Pilane said he will respond to Peloetletse’s letter through his attorney as he was shocked by the latest letter.
Pilane has been investigating high-profile cases — a move that reportedly rubbed some senior officers the wrong way upon learning of his sudden redeployment.
In September 2024, Pilane made news as it emerged that the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) Director-General, Peter Magosi, was accused of making death threats against Pilane.
Magosi allegedly issued death threats against Pilane who was reported to be conducting a corruption probe against the DIS boss.
In a letter seen by The Monitor, Pilane stated that he informed the Director-General of DCEC Botlhale Makgekgenene that he did not report the matter to the police “in order not to pre-empt any guidance that I may receive from your office on the matter”.
Pilane revealed that he had made the Commissioner of Police, Dinah Marathe, aware of Magosi’s conduct.
This was, through a letter dated September 6, 2024, addressed to Makgekgenene which was also copied to Marathe, the then-Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi and Peloetletse.