Tzaneen detective honoured for fight against GBV

TZANEEN – Sergeant Edmond Mlungwa, a detective from Tzaneen, has been celebrated by the Limpopo provincial police for his exceptional work in combating gender-based violence (GBV).

With 18 years of experience in the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit, Mlungwa has made significant strides in bringing perpetrators to justice.

In 2024 alone, Mlungwa has secured 110 years of imprisonment, including one life term, for six child rapists. These criminals were convicted of heinous crimes against minors aged 5 to 17 years old, with five of the cases involving the rape of stepdaughters.

His dedication has provided hope to victims and their families, creating a safer environment for children.

Mlungwa expressed his gratitude for the recognition from his superiors, acknowledging the importance of his work in removing dangerous individuals from society.

He highlighted the prevalence of GBV in local communities, emphasizing that it is a real and pervasive issue.

Mlungwa said that many cases of GBV result in women dying at the hands of their partners, often because the abuse was never reported to the police. He stressed the importance of early intervention, stating, “It always starts with beating them once and then it escalates to a point of death.”

Mlungwa also addressed the tragedy of mothers not believing their children’s reports of sexual abuse, which can lead to severe psychological damage and even suicide.

He advised that reducing cases of GBV begins with reporting assaults to the police. He also urged young women to avoid situations that could lead to exploitation, such as going to taverns without money and expecting men to buy them drinks, as some men might expect sex in return.

Mlungwa encouraged parents to build better relationships with their children, so they feel comfortable reporting abuse.

To report any GBV, individuals are advised to go to the nearest police station or call 0860 010 111.