Westville detective commended for his good work
Westville SAPS commended Detective Constable Philani Dumakude for his efficient work in securing a just conviction.
DETECTIVE Constable Philani Dumakude is one of Westville SAPS’ rising stars.
His commander, Captain Martin Magwaza, congratulated him for his thorough investigation, linkage and witness preparation which secured a massive 20-year conviction for an accused who was arrested for robbery.
According to Sgt Stephen Clark, standing in communications officer at Westville SAPS, the initial arrest of the suspect occurred when he had snatched a purse off a pedestrian on St James Avenue in Westville and was nabbed by fast reacting police. Dumakude linked the suspect to other cases he was wanted for as well as discovered that the suspect was actually out on parole for a similar matter.
“Failing to disclose that you are on parole is a serious offence. This was discovered when Detective Dumakude came across another docket that was to be filed. Just browsing the fingerprint report he spotted a similarity and through sheer diligence made some calls to the Westville Correctional Services to check the suspect out a bit more thoroughly,” said Clark.
When the court was informed about the serious repetitive crimes committed and that he had already been convicted of one, the heavy sentence was handed down.
Clark said Jean Paul Petrus of Coyote Canyon Spur at Westwood was so impressed by the good work, that he sponsored some vouchers for Const Dumakude to spend with his family.
