Lizzy has a heart of gold
Lizzy says the Bheki Khumalo case is a highlight in her career.
SECUNDA – Captain Elizabeth Koekemoer, also know as Lizzy, is known for her investigations and work for the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offence Unit.
She is the commander of this unit in the cluster.
Her career in the police began in 1983 and in 1994 she went into investigative cases.
She became the group commander and detective for sexual offences in eMbalenhle in 2009 and made her way back to the Secunda branch in 2010.
In all, Capt Koekemoer has 15 years of experience and dealings with family violence, child protect and sexual offence cases.
She said she deals mostly with rape cases.
“It is hard to not get emotionally involved, you have to be strong for the victim.
“This line of work takes a special person who has a passion for what they do and at the same time be able to stay cool, calm and collective,” Capt Koekemoer said.
The Ridge Times wanted to know which case really stood out for her and which one was a highlight.
“The one that stood out would be a case where the father was sexually abusing his three children.
“He took turns with each child and made one stand at the door to keep watch while he molested the other siblings.”
“The man received ?? years.
“The highlight is most definitely the Bheki Khumalo case after he received 22 life sentences.
According to Capt Koekemoer the evidence and witnesses were very strong in this case.
“I have a very good, dedicated team who is trustworthy and respectful and worked tirelessly on this case.
“The fact that he could show no remorse and claimed he was not guilty and that the police had planted evidence was astonishing.
Capt Koekemoer, who is married and has two sons, said she is a real mother hen at home.
“I am a private person, I love being with my family and like watching soapies to detach myself from work.
According to Capt Koekemoer her hard work and dedication are supported by her great team of colleagues and her family.
She said with the new sexual offences court that has reopened, cases will get the necessary attention.
It also currently has a high conviction rate and cases are being finalised quicker than before.
