Top award for FCS unit

The Makhado (Louis Trichardt) Family Violence Children Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) unit came out tops in the whole of South Africa.

This unit, a special investigative unit of the Makhado SAPS, was voted the top investigative unit in the country during the police's prestigious awards ceremony in Pretoria at the end of March. The award was made in recognition of their dedication and hard work in helping to track down several serial rapists during 2012 and 2013. The local FCS unit is led by Capt Danelle Fourie.

One such a successful case was when her unit managed to link a serial rapist to nine other unsolved rape cases in and around the Makhado (Louis Trichardt) area.

The members who helped to track down the Zimbabwean serial rapist were Capt Fourie, detective Lt Nkuna, detective WO Masonono, WO Ligege, WO Ralebona, detective Const Rasilbai and Const Bologo.  As part of their award, the seven members involved also received a R15 000 reward from the Minister of Police.

In addition, WO Ligege was also singled out by the Minister of Police, Nathi Nthethwa, for his excellent service in helping to secure five of the six life sentences for the rapist.

Another case that was also applauded for good police work was the case of serial rapist Michael Khorombi. This case was investigated by detective WO Fanie Mynhardt, who linked Khorombi by means of DNA to two more rape cases. At that stage, a Gauteng court had already handed down nine life sentences to Khorombi.

Locally, the FCS unit had also been applauded for arresting a child rapist. This accused, Hetekani Loyd Mabudza, received a life sentence for terrorizing the communities of the Waterval and Tshilwavhusiku areas.

Most recently, the FCS unit made local news headlines for their investigation of the infamous Doris Mthembi, who received a 10 year prison sentence. After an extended trial for perjury, in which Mthembi opened a false case of rape against her ex-husband, Mr Goddard Mugwena, she was convicted in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court. The verdict was made despite numerous complaints that Mthembi had lodged against the FCS and the officers instrumental in the case.

“The unit relied heavily on DNA samples, cellular phone data analysis and confessions from suspects and corroboration from witnesses,” said Fourie. “This excellence award was made possible by their hard work and dedication.”

Fourie also expressed her gratitude towards all the state prosecutors for not only ensuring convictions, but also for assisting with legal advice to ensure that a docket is made ready for trial. She also thanked all the local charity organisations for their donations towards the FCS. "These donations of toys, food and even water tanks are what enable us to do our very best."

News - Date: 11 April 2014

Isabel Venter

Isabel joined the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror in 2009 as a reporter. She holds a BA Degree in Communication Sciences from the University of South Africa. Her beat is mainly crime and court reporting.

Email: [email protected]