VANDERBIJLPARK – A determined detective has helped put an Evaton rapist behind bars for good after securing two life sentences for the accused.
Detective Sergeant Albert Maketekete, who has more than 22 years of policing experience, led the investigation that ultimately saw the accused convicted in the Palmridge High Court.
The accused was sentenced to two life terms, one for rape and another for knowingly infecting the victim with HIV.
He was also sentenced to five years for kidnapping and a further two years for assault.
The crimes date back to December 2004, but the accused’s fate was finally sealed when the court handed down sentence on September 25.
For Maketekete, the lengthy case is another example of his determination to see justice served.
He has spent five years in the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, where he has investigated some of the most disturbing cases involving vulnerable victims.
And rape is not the only case where his investigations have ended with a conviction.
Maketekete recently helped secure a seven-year direct prison sentence for a woman who stole a 16-day-old baby at Thabong Shopping Centre in 2025.
The woman allegedly pretended to help the new mother before taking the baby.
Speaking to Ster, Maketekete said the latest conviction was the result of determination, careful investigation and putting victims first.
“When the judge handed down the judgment, he issued a stern warning to members of the public that offenders who assault and rape women will be severely punished,” he said.
Maketekete said investigators must remain passionate and dedicated, particularly when dealing with victims of traumatic crimes.
“Passion, dedication, working smart, and putting yourself in the shoes of the victims to understand what the victims go through. This helps in knowing what prosecutors want and how to meticulously investigate,” he said.
He said his passion for FCS policing comes from his hatred of abuse and bullying.
“I hate people who abuse, bully and harm other people with every fibre of my being,” he said.
For Maketekete, seeing perpetrators convicted is more than just another case closed.
“Seeing my victims getting justice makes me sleep at night. These convictions speak to fulfilment, especially hearing victims saying thank you. The appreciation on their faces is what leaves me content and makes me want to push even more,” he said.
