Diligent investigations by Det Const Gabanthate Kau of the Benoni SAPS assisted in a murderer being sentenced to life imprisonment.
Kau was commended by the detective branch commander Col Ronald Mkhonza for the way she investigated the case which led to the conviction of Charles Barker, who was sentenced in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on August 25 to life imprisonment for murder plus 18 years for attempted murder.
He was arrested, while on parole for murder, on March 5, 2018, after stabbing Adrianne Coke to death and stabbing her mother (his fiancée), Bettina-Ann Coke, at their home in Kemston Avenue, Western Extension.
The investigating officer said she was expecting a life imprisonment sentence as Barker was not a first time offender for murder.
“I am satisfied with this sentence because the number of gender-based violence cases in our country is too high; women are being killed every day and as the police we need to make sure that the perpetrators don’t get away with murder,” said Kau.
The 39-year-old officer said her job satisfaction comes from seeing justice being served.
“The hardest part of being a good detective is collecting the information and evidence, and putting it all together.
“Patience is required from the victim and it is a 24-hour responsibility to carry your cases and constantly think about how to solve them.”
She explained that victims need to be patient as investigations need to be done properly.
The Daveyton resident thanked her colleague, detective Sgt Kabelo Langa, for being helpful throughout the case.
Mkhonza added that the case was particularly challenging as the only witnesses were the victim and the suspect.
“However, through Kau’s skills, intelligence and dedication towards her job she managed to gather enough evidence to prove the case successfully in court and justice was served,” said Mkhonza.
Kau urged women to take a stand and report abuse.
ALSO READ:
LISTEN: Life sentence provides some form of closure for Coke family
ALSO READ:
Let’s all take a stand against gender-based violence
