Limpopo: As the country continues to observe the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children, Limpopo SAPS recognize one of its heroines, Sergeant Magaila Makopo (42), a shining example of bravery, selflessness, and dedication to serving and protecting victims of gender-based violence. The remarkable Detective Sergeant is attached to Lebowakgomo Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit in Capricorn District.

According to South African Police Service, Sergeant Makopo highlighted that working at FCS requires strong passion and dedication as some of the cases are emotionally challenging, especially working with minors and vulnerable people who are unable to fight for themselves, thus solely putting their trust in the investigators. She stated, “I find solace in seeing justice prevail and perpetrators being held accountable. This is a testament to my unwavering passion for my work,” said Detective Sergeant Makopo.

Detective Sergeant Makopo joined the Family Violence, Child
Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit in 2014 as a Constable. The Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit’s commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is truly commendable. One of her highlights includes securing three life sentences and 76 years on five counts of rape against a 39-year-old serial rapist, Motsepane Lolo Modigoa, in August 2023. Between 2015 and 2022, the accused terrorized vulnerable women between the ages of 56 and 74 around Lebowakgomo and Seleteng, Ga-Mphahlele.

The accused targeted vulnerable people and assaulted them before raping them. The accused met these women on the street, threatened them, dragged them into the bushes, and raped them. Detective Sergeant Makopo’s success stemmed from her thorough research and tenacity, which resulted in the detention of the accused until justice was served.

In other notable cases, in May 2024, the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment by Thabamoopo regional court for raping a 13-year-old girl at Makurung, Ga
-Mphahlele. The family trusted the accused as he was related to the family and sent him with the victim to draw money; along the way, the accused dragged the victim to the bushes and raped her. In October 2023, the accused Thapelo Mongalo (21) was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment for four counts of rape and three counts of housebreaking with intention to rape at Ga Maja. The accused broke into the victim’s house and threatened the victims with a knife, demanding money before raping them.

Detective Sergeant Makopo is committed to fighting GBVF and providing support and protection to the victims of GBVF. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, sends a heartfelt salute to Detective Sergeant Makopo. “Your dedication in delivering justice and ensuring perpetrators face the consequences of their action is admirable.” You are indeed committed to making a positive impact on the victim of gender-based violence. Let us be inspired by Detective Sergeant Makopo’s achievement
, recommit ourselves to the cause, and continue to make a positive impact on the victims of GBVF.