AS part of celebrating women during Women’s Month, the KZN SAPS have profiled 29-year-old Warrant Officer Sinazo Zwane, a ballistic analyst attached to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in KZN.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Zwane’s work turns “science into justice for GBVF victims”.

Hailing from the small town of Hlabisa in KZN, Zwane joined the SAPS as part of the first batch of Project 10 000 recruits in 2022. She completed her Basic Police Training at the Mthatha SAPS Academy, marking the beginning of what would become an inspiring journey of service, professional development and continuous learning.

Following her training, she was placed at Inanda police station, where she served as a Youth Crime Prevention Desk Co-ordinator and School Co-ordinator, positions that placed her at the forefront of initiatives aimed at protecting and empowering young people.

Her responsibilities extended beyond the confines of the police station. Working closely with relevant stakeholders, Zwane conducted crime awareness programmes in schools and communities, educating learners about sexual offences, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), bullying, gangsterism, dangerous weapons, substance abuse and general crime prevention and safety.

Through Social Crime Prevention interventions, she contributed to addressing the underlying factors that contribute to crime and violence. Her work included school safety interventions, awareness programmes and engagements designed to help young people recognise harmful behaviour, understand their rights and know where to seek assistance when they experience or witness abuse.

Her dedication to community service did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her commitment to the protection and development of children, Zwane was invited to represent the SAPS at the Assupol Community Trust Early Childhood Development (ECD) Indaba in 2025, held under the theme “Uniting to Protect Children”.

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While excelling in community policing, Zwane was simultaneously building her academic credentials.

She holds a B.Sc degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry, an achievement that would ultimately complement her policing career in an unexpected and highly specialised direction. Her academic background, coupled with her commitment to professional advancement, has seen her take another significant step in her career.

She has recently been promoted and appointed to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in KZN, where she serves as a Ballistics Analyst.

The transition from community policing to forensic science represents a significant evolution in her career. In her new role, Zwane applies scientific knowledge and analytical skills to assist investigations involving firearms and other violent crimes.

Her work contributes to the pursuit of justice by analysing ballistic evidence, compiling findings into Section 212 affidavits and providing expert testimony in court. Through this specialised role, she helps ensure that scientific evidence is properly presented before the courts, strengthening criminal cases and assisting prosecutors in holding perpetrators accountable.

“As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, her journey serves as an inspiration to young women in policing and beyond. Warrant Officer Sinazo Zwane has already demonstrated that a career in law enforcement can evolve in many directions, from engaging with communities and protecting children to applying scientific expertise in the pursuit of justice.

“Her story is not simply one of promotion; it is a testament to ambition, resilience, education and an unwavering commitment to making a difference,” said Netshiunda.

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