A Gauteng police officer has been hailed for his efforts in securing a lengthy jail term for a serial rapist whose reign of terror on the East Rand lasted for more than 10 years.
W/O Tlali Mokoena scooped the coveted Gen Fannie Masemola commissioner's award during a glittering national police service excellence award ceremony at the Durban ICC on Sunday evening.
He was honoured for the lengthy sentence he secured for Nkosinathi Phakathi, who was found guilty on 90 counts of rape, four of compelled rape, three of compelling or causing a child to witness a sexual act, 43 counts of kidnapping, two of assault and four of theft.
“I am excited, and this is testament to the righteousness and justice for the victims of gender-based violence,” said Mokoena.
When Mokoena was assigned the case in 2020, there were 70 dockets, and by the time he caught Phakathi in March 2021, more rape cases had been opened against him.
Phakathi was sentenced in October 2024.
Mokoena is based in the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit in Gauteng.
He said Phakathi had been sought for nine years. “I was assigned this case in May 2020. It took me nine months to crack this case,” said Mokoena.
He said the suspect was found at the Barcelona informal settlement in Ekurhuleni. He said when arrested, the suspect displayed a calm demeanour.
“You would never think the guy would be capable of committing such serious crimes. He came across as a soft person, but when I probed further, I discovered that he was psychotic,” said Mokoena.
He said while the suspect had initially pleaded guilty to the crimes, he had later made an about-turn, claiming he was a lunatic and psychologically compromised.
“He wanted to go for a psychological evaluation so he would get off scot-free. He was eventually convicted for his crimes.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu honoured the team of police officers who ensured seven people were arrested after 18 people were killed in Lusikisiki.
This year the awards boasted more than 40 categories, ranging from visual team of the year, operational member of the year, detective service member of the year, family violence, child protection and sexual offences investigators of the year, forensics services, woman of the year, CPF of the year and station of the year.
Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Nomthetheleli Mene said they were thrilled with the recognition they had received.
“We are excited. This is not just an award, it's the minister's award for the success that the province has accomplished,” said Mene.
She recalled how when the murders had taken place, they did not know who was behind them. “We did not know what the motive was. But through the tireless work of the team, we were able to establish who was behind the massacre,” said Mene.
I got the results last week, and I am planning to complete my PhD soon. I want to serve as a good example to the public. I want to restore the trust of the public
— Col Thabo Jacob Sebatane
Though having made strides in the case, Mene would not comment further as investigations are continuing.
She attributed the success to the SAPS team, which was assisted by analysts from head office.
“We need to acknowledge both teams as well as the team from head office,” she said.
North West police officer Col Thabo Jacob Sebatane received the best detective award.
Sebatane has led complex investigations including cracking a R10m drug bust and dismantling construction mafia groups. He has investigated major organised crime, extortion and kidnapping cases in his 24 years of service.
He cited teamwork as his recipe for success. He said the police are often perceived as being uneducated, but this was not true. Sebatane said he had recently completed a Master's in law at North West University.
“I got the results last week, and I am planning to complete my PhD soon. I want to serve as a good example to the public. I want to restore the trust of the public,” he said.
Mchunu said the contributions of all the police members had not gone unnoticed. “Your unwavering commitment to serving South Africa with integrity and dedication is commendable; you have set a high standard of professionalism and selflessness, inspiring your colleagues and the nation,” said Mchunu.
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