The South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign by highlighting the work of its men and women in blue who go beyond the call of duty to protect women and children in South Africa.
Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is among those who go beyond the call of duty.
Van der Klashorst is the Section Commander of the National Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit. The unit is a specialised investigation team that deals with the investigation of serial rape cases and sexual crimes committed through electronic mediums, such as child pornography.
Her duties as the Section Commander include monitoring and evaluating SECI units within the nine provinces, leading and guiding major child pornography takedown operations and investigating high profile cases.
Van der Klashorst’s illustrious career commenced in 1991 when she joined the SAPS as a student constable.
In 1993, the SAPS established Child Protection Units which are now known as the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Van der Klashorst played an instrumental role when the foundations were laid and again when SECI units were established in 2017 on national level and within all nine provinces.
A recent career highlight includes the execution of a major takedown operation named BAD VIBES.
International operations led to 27 South Africans being identified who are involved in the possession, distribution, manufacturing, accessing and downloading of child pornography.
National and provincial SECI Units formed part of this particular takedown which led to 12 sexual predators being arrested in different parts of the country since January 2023.
Four child victims were also positively identified while millions of images and videos classified as child pornography were seized during these operations.
Under van der Klashorst’s leadership, the SECI teams on national and provincial level continue with investigations under OPERATION BAD VIBES to trace and arrest more suspects linked to this international child pornography ring.
As a subject matter expert, van der Klashorst also presents key topics at SECI workshops and FCS courses. She says sharing her knowledge and expertise with members in the field allows her to plough back into the organisation.
“This ultimately leads to quality investigations and water-tight cases being presented in court,” van der Klashorst said.
Just last week, the National SECI team was awarded FCS Team of the Year during the Division for Forensic and Detective Service’s annual Excellence Awards.
“Being at the forefront of fighting crimes against women and children is my passion. I always tell my team that it needs all hands on deck to prevent, combat and investigate sexual offences, gender-based violence and online child exploitation," said van der Klashorst.
Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst remains relentless in her pursuit to trace and arrest more online sexual predators.
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 campaign is held from 25 November to 10 December every year. -SAnews.gov.za
