Dedicated policewoman honoured
A detective from Ficksburg has been rewarded for her unwavering dedication to removing sexual predators from society.
Thembi Mosese received the overall award during the National Police Commissioner Excellence Awards held in Bloemfontein last week. She also received the award for the best detective.
Mosese was part of the investigation team that arrested three youths who raped young women in the Ficksburg area. The three offenders are in prison and serving lengthy sentences thanks to Mosese and her colleagues.
She has successfully investigated similar crimes, and believes it is her passion for justice and the need for gender equality that drives her to wake up every day and do her job.
Mosese said rape is one of their major challenges in Ficksburg. It is exacerbated by the fact that many rape victims come forward too late to report their cases.
“Children as young as 19 commit these kinds of crimes, but we also have people in their late 30s, as well as pensioners over 60 committing rape. We mostly rely on DNA to link the perpetrators to the victims, but when people come forward months after the incident, it is almost too late for us to help them. We encourage women to report the cases immediately.”
Although Mosese faces many challenges at work, including lack of resources, she is undeterred and does not rest until she has succeeded in solving a case.
According to her, she is pleased with
the award.
“I’m amazed at my achievement, and the award will motivate me to work much harder.”
The Deputy Minister of Police, Maggie Sotyu, said it is important for women to hold leadership positions within the police force.
“It is important to maintain a balance between men and women in the force. The department will also like to see more women become police commissioners.”
Sotyu added that in the past, the focus was on putting women in positions such as constables and sergeants.
“People would remain in one position until they retire. That needs to end.”
Sotyu and the MEC for Police, Roads, and Transport, Butana Komphela, handed over certificates, trophies, and cash prizes to the winners.
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