While the flashing blue lights of police first responders captures the public’s attention, detectives are the quiet relentless force that operates in the shadows of the aftermath.

Brakpan police have welcomed the conviction of two criminals who thought they could outsmart the system. Both were found guilty on May 20 and sentenced on October 6 at the Brakpan Regional Court.

Damien Donovan Badenhorst, who faced two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment on each count, and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Johannes Jacobus van Zyl was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment on one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

According to Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer, Badenhorst robbed a man of his cellphone in Sherwood Gardens at gunpoint in July 2023.

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A few days later, Badenhorst and Van Zyl robbed another victim of his cellphone at gunpoint in the Brakpan CBD.

Both victims managed to take down the registration number of the white Toyota Corolla used in the commission of both crimes.

Two separate dockets were registered at the Brakpan SAPS, and both dockets were assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Anton Strydom.

“It was through the investigating officer’s sleepless nights, meticulous attention to details, and an unbreakable spirit that both were arrested a few days later and remained in police custody since 2023 until their conviction in 2026,” explained Buthelezi.

“Strydom has sent out a very strong warning to criminals who think they can bypass the system, terrorise the community, and live off the spoils of crime, that their days are numbered.

“Brakpan SAPS detectives are dedicated and work hard to serve justice to victims of crime.

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“Every successful conviction is victory for the victim, a reassurance to an anxious neighbourhood and undeniable proof that righteousness will always triumph over lawlessness.

“Brakpan SAPS detectives are commended for their sweat, sacrifices, and unyielding commitment to the oath they took.

“They are the silent shields and have proven case by case, docket by docket, that crime does not pay and justice will always prevail.”

Buthelezi highlighted that without a solid investigation, there is no prosecution.

“Without a dedicated detective, there is no conviction. Brakpan SAPS detectives stand firm in saying to criminals,

“You might escape today, you might hide tomorrow, but the long hand of the law is patient, it is methodical and it is inescapable”,” she added.