Media Statement
South African Police Service (SAPS)

PRETORIA - The South African Police Service (SAPS) observes child protection week on a daily basis by ensuring those who perpetrate crimes against our most vulnerable in society, are put behind bars. In the past year, the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit led investigations that ensured 2300 accused are convicted and 19 360 are arrested for GBVF related crimes as well as crimes against children.

The role of the FCS Detectives in the SAPS is to ensure the effective prevention, investigation of FCS-related crimes; and to ensure justice for victims of family violence, crimes against children and sexual offences.

FCS related crimes can be divided in four (4) main groups, namely:

• Sexual crimes (incest, rape, sexual assault)
• Person directed crimes (assault, assault GBH, Murder)
• Illegal removal of a person (Kidnapping, abduction, missing children)
• Electronic media facilitated crime such as child pornography as well as filming and sharing of others during sexual activity without consent. 

The unit also has Forensic Social Workers (FSW) whose responsibility is to assist FCS detectives to complete psychosocial and risk assessments, provide effective therapeutic services, and implement crisis interventions for victims of crime who often have experienced severe trauma and grapple with significant social, emotional, psychological and behavioural challenges. These assessments are presented to court as part of evidence.

A breakdown of the convictions achieved in the past year include:

• 321 accused were sentenced to life in prison
• 296 accused were sentenced to 20 years and more imprisonment
• 611 accused were sentenced for a time period ranging from 10 to 19 years imprisonment
• 1072 accused were sentenced for a time period ranging from 1 to 9 years imprisonment

19 360 suspects who perpetrated FCS related crimes were arrested. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape registered the most arrests which is as follows:

• GP: 3293
• KZN: 3786
• WC: 4857

A highlight of the convictions are as follows:

• EC: In February 2024, 58- year-old Thembisile Sonjica from East London was sentenced to life imprisonment and an additional 5 years for raping his female grandchildren aged 5 and 8 years old.
• GP: In March 2024, 31-year-old Arthur Lepheana was handed down two life sentences after he was found guilty of raping his biological daughter who was an infant at the time of the rape. This incident happened in Olivenhoutbosch.
• LIMPOPO: In January 2024, 36-year-old Joppy Madihlaba was sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his 7-year-old niece every time when the girl was left in his care in Dennilton.
• WC: In November 2023: 35-year-old Jerome Botha from Paarl was handed down two life terms in prison for raping two female minors aged 5 and 6 years old. At the time of the incident, the children were playing outside near his home when he called them into his home and inserted his fingers in their private parts.
• KZN: In August 2023, 59-year-old Peter Msweli was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and impregnating his biological daughter who was 11- years old at the time of the incident.

The FCS unit is headed by Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele who has 18 years’ experience as a detective. She holds a Diploma in Policing, B-Tech Policing and B-tech degree in Business Administration.

Ends

Enquiries:
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
082 040 8808

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