The commitment and dedication of three police officers have caught the eye of Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police.
Cameron has lauded Atlantis Visible Policing Unit and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for the swift action taken to apprehend an alleged rapist here.
The chairperson has highlighted that the swift action by members of the units led to the arrest of the perpetrator and have set the standard for action required from the police if it is to win the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence in the country.
“The dedication displayed by Constable Wayne October and Constable Thorn Vigeland from Atlantis VISPOL, and Constable Jauvon Julies from Cape Town FCS is truly remarkable. Their swift action and determination represent the best that is needed to reclaim the credibility of the police and highlights what is needed in the fight against crime and criminality in the country,” Cameron said.
It is reported that a victim led the police to a remote farm where she had been held captive and repeatedly raped for approximately four months before being able to escape.
“The Portfolio Committee on Police has emphasised that members of SAPS must take immediate action to investigate and arrest perpetrators of GBV cases,” said Cameron, “and must treat the victims with compassion and empathy. This is the standard we expect, and the SAPS members have shown that this can be done.”
Capt. Lisa Munro, communications officer, said after the victim pointed out the crime scene to the police officers, and due to their swift and direct action the arrest was executed.
She also confirmed that the members worked for hours after their shift ended to make sure a detailed statement was taken from the complainant and all evidence on the crime scene was collected. A rape case in under investigation by Milnerton FCS, Munro confirmed.
The Chairperson has called for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted for this heinous crime.
“I have on behalf of the committee dispatched a letter to the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to highlight our appreciation for the work of the three police members and have highlighted the good standard that these officers have upheld,” Cameron said.
