PARKTOWN – Addressing the proliferation of serious and violent crimes in the strive to create a safe and secure environment for all remains a top priority for the South African Police Service (SAPS). It is for this reason that Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended detectives for continuously securing lengthy sentences in courts across the province.
Over the past three weeks (03 – 24 October 2022) detectives from various stations and provincial units have collectively secured 13 life imprisonment terms with over 2000 years in prison for 75 accused in 52 separate cases. The charges on these cases include, among others; murder, rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, carjacking and tampering with essential infrastructure.
On Friday, 21 October 2022 the Johannesburg Magistrates’ court sentenced a 49-year-old accused to life imprisonment for the rape of his niece; the victim was nine-years-old when her uncle started to sexually assault her. The young victim reported the abuse to her mother were after a case was opened. Warrant Officer Rebecca Abrahams of Johannesburg Central Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit was assigned to investigate the case. Abrahams meticulously pieced all the available evidence which led to a water-tight case against the accused in court.
In another case, the Randfontein Regional court sentenced Sithembiso Nkomo (27), Thabo Monaisa (32) and Moses Macaluve (38) to 13 years’ imprisonment for carjacking and kidnapping on 13 October 2022. The three accused were apprehended at a roadblock held during the multi-disciplinary Operation O Kae Molao in Randfontein just over a year ago. Quality investigation by the team involved in this case ensured that a solid case was presented in court against the accused.
“Community members must rest assured that our detectives are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring criminals are brought to justice. Service excellence will restore the communities’ faith in the South African Police Service”, said Lt Gen Mawela.
Source: South African Police Service