SEDIBENG. The Sedibeng SAPS is amongst the districts that has welcomed detectives to deal with cold cases.

The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, together with Provincial Head for Crime Investigation Services Brigadier Sello Sefoloshe, officially welcomed the 110 detectives employed on contract on January 22 at the SAPS’ Provincial head office in Parktown.

In an effort to increase the capacity for detectives in the SAPS, the posts are said to have been created for three-year contracts targeting former detectives who left the organisation for different reasons.

“This was to ensure that those who get hired already have the necessary experience needed to resolve the backlog of cold cases dating as far back as 1998. The three-year contract is renewable annually based on performance,” a statement by SAPS said.

The detectives are deployed to five districts: Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, West Rand, Tshwane, and Sedibeng.

“They are expected to bring community members with unresolved cases closure through reviving and investigating cold cases for serious crimes such as murder, rape, and robberies. Major General Mbuso Khumalo, in conjunction with all District Commissioners, will oversee and support these detectives to ensure that the victims of crime get the long-overdue justice.”