CONSTABLE Siboniso Mtshali of the FCS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit was recently acknowledged for his dedication and commitment.

Growing up, Mtshali said he always had a passion and love to protect the community.

“Initially I wanted to be a soldier and when I saw the posts within the SAPS I applied.”

Mtshali has been working at Pinetown SAPS since 2013 when he first joined the organisation.

He said his unit deals a lot with cases of rape, sexual assault, women, men and children abuse.

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“We work a lot with cases of children under the age of 18.”

Speaking about the case he was recently recognised for, he said it was for statutory rape.

“The man was sentenced to five years after a 14-year-old disappeared on New Year’s eve. The girl’s mother opened a case, we went to look for the child. She was found in the suspect’s room hiding under the bed; she admitted that the man in his 30s was her boyfriend.”

He also spoke about another case in Westville where a plumber raped a 42-year-old mentally challenged woman.

“The man was arrested on the same day, he appeared in court a few times before he was sentenced to 20 years. I will have to say the courts play a huge part in making sure that the victim gets justice.”

For Mtshali, it is important that the victims get justice.

“Many people have lost hope in the justice system, so when a sentence is handed down, I feel content,” he said.

Even though he is passionate about his job, Mtshali said it can get a bit stressful at times.

“Investigating cases of rape, especially those affecting children, is very hard. As a father, you think about your children going through the same ordeal, it just breaks one’s heart.”

To help deal with the stress and cope with their challenging job, he says they have team buildings with other members to socialise and speak about their challenges.

Also read: Durban Metro Police join forces with SAPS for a safe festive season

Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Jennifer Naidu, said in light of the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children, which was commemorated recently, she believes that it’s fitting that the FCS team’s dedication and commitment are recognised.

“Their collaboration with our eight stations – Pinetown, Westville, Hillcrest, KwaDabeka, Inchanga, Hammarsdale, Umsunduzi, and Mpumalanga – has been invaluable,” she said.

She commended the team’s tireless efforts in addressing the most heinous crimes in society.

“Being part of the SAPS is challenging, but serving in this unit requires a unique kind of strength, resilience, and compassion. The trauma and distress that come with investigating these cases can be overwhelming.

“I’m grateful that our members have been recognised by the District Commissioner, Major-General Makhosazana Kheswa, who presented them with a certificate. This acknowledgment is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

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