With the country continuing to observe the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to celebrate the work of the men and women in blue who protect women and children.
Sergeant Martha van Rensburg, an investigator attached to the Serial and Electronic Crimes Investigations (SECI) Unit in Kimberley, Northern Cape often goes beyond the call of duty to combat and investigate crimes against women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Within a period of two years, van Rensburg secured two life terms and 72 years' imprisonment for five sexual predators who are now behind bars.
Fondly known within her community as “Tokkie”, she joined the SAPS in 2009 with the burning desire to serve and protect her country.
“Career highlights are many, but a particular case that stands out from the rest was when the Kuruman Magistrates Court sentenced Thabo Mosielele (36) and Motlaatsamaya Gaotlhope (44) to two life terms and an additional 90 years in prison on charges of rape and housebreaking in 2022,” said the police in a statement.
Mosielele and Gaotlhope targeted females in and around Heuningvlei between 2016 and 2017. The duo broke into the victims' homes and repeatedly raped them before they fled the scene.
“This serial case landed on van Rensburg's desk for further investigation. Leaving no stone unturned, she meticulously pieced all available leads together which successfully linked the duo to the crimes. This led to a solid case presented against the accused in court.”
As a SECI investigator, van Rensburg’s duties include the investigation of serial rape cases as well as sexual crimes committed through electronic mediums, such as possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography. She often travels vast distances across the Northern Cape to trace and arrest rapists.
Van Rensburg says her personal experience of being a rape survivor herself, provides her a deeper level of empathy, understanding and support for victims.
"Protecting women and children is not just a duty—it’s a personal mission. Every case is a reminder of the lives we can change through justice being served and support provided to victims," said van Rensburg.
Through meticulous investigation and compassionate engagement with rape survivors, van Rensburg has become a symbol of hope and resilience for many.
“Rest assured, she will continue to put more sexual predators behind bars, one by one,” said the police.
The 16 Days campaign forms part of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
This year’s campaign is being held under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence against Women and Children".
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is held from 25 November to 10 December every year. -SAnews.gov.za
