By Kaya 959 News
The SAPS’ Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit has secured more than 350 life sentences for around 266 sexual predators.
Yesterday National SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said in the past year, 356 life imprisonment sentences were handed down to 266 accused, 5,008 20-year sentences were handed down to 189 suspects while 8,166 sentences were handed down to 487 accused while 791 accused received 3,717 sentences.
Mathe said daily, members of the specialised unit are charged with the responsibility of putting perpetrators of crimes against women, children and vulnerable groups behind bars, and continue to make inroads by working tirelessly to apprehend these callous and dangerous perpetrators.
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“While the conviction of 1,733 accused will not bring back those who died at the hands of their perpetrators or erase the memories that still haunt survivors of these crimes, these convictions are a step in the right direction in arresting such forms of criminality in society. These convictions will ensure that sexual offenders will no longer roam the streets of South Africa freely, terrorising people on all levels of society, especially our children,” she said.
Mathe said the unit was re-established in 2010 and boasts 176 units around the country with nine Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation units.
“These units comprise of dedicated members who more than often go beyond the call of duty in apprehending those responsible for sexual offences related crimes, and person directed crimes under the age of 18. These detectives are also charged with the responsibility of investigating electronic media facilitated crimes such as online child sexual exploitation,” she said.
Mathe said it is worth noting that the successes achieved would not have been possible without the participation, cooperation and assistance of Departments within the Criminal Justice System. The Department of Social Development (DSD) is hereby acknowledged for the role it played in counselling victims and as well as the placement of victims that were in need of shelter. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also ought to be appreciated for ensuring justice for the victims of crime by prosecuting without fear, favour and prejudice. The community and NGOS who supported the Investigations.
Mathe said in Gauteng, 30-year-old Mpho Radebe was handed down five life imprisonment sentences by the Vereeniging Magistrates Court for the rape of five women in the Lenasia and Orange Farm areas. The crimes committed took place between 2013 and 2015. According to all his victims, the suspect was an unknown person who managed to overpower them in an open veld where he would rape them either at gun or knife point.
In Limpopo, 34-year-old Moswathupa Nkgogeletse was handed down a life sentence by the Polokwane High Court for the rape of an infant. At the time of the ordeal, the deceased victim was a year old. It’s believed that the perpetrator lured the victim to a nearby bush with candy where he raped and killed the minor. The unknown man to the victim was successfully linked to the crime through investigation and DNA samples.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla John Sitole has also praised these members for their commitment in the fight against FCS related crimes.
