PARKTOWN – Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng remain resolute in addressing the proliferation of serious and violent crime. Detectives across the province are continuously securing lengthy sentences in courts across the province. Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded his detectives and relevant role-players involved in securing these sentences.
Over a period of two weeks (20 January – 02 February 2023) detectives from various stations and provincial units have collectively secured 24 life imprisonment terms with over 500 years in prison for 28 accused in 35 separate cases. The charges in these cases include, among others; rape, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping.
On Tuesday, 31 January 2023 the South Gauteng High Court sentenced Edward Maluleke, aged 37, and Given Macheke, aged 38, to 15 life imprisonment terms and an additional 83 years’ in prison each on multiple charges of rape, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Both Maluleke and Macheke are also declared unfit to possess a firearm and their names will be recorded on the National Register for Sexual Offenders.
The duo targeted women around the areas of Olifantsfontein, Ivory Park and Norkempark before they were arrested in 2021. The victims were attacked, robbed and raped where after Muleke and Macheke fled the scene.
This case was assigned to Sergeant Mafufuwe Lesford Mangwale for investigation. He is a detective attached to the Tembisa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit with nearly 20 years’ service in the SAPS. It is through the application of innovative investigative and forensic techniques that enabled Mangwale to arrest the perpetrators. Ultimately Mangwale’s meticulousness in piecing the investigative leads together resulted in a solid case being presented in court against the accused.
“It is commendable that week after week lengthy sentences are achieved in courts as a result of quality investigation by our detectives. Community members can rest assured that our members are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring justice prevails,” said Lt Gen Mawela.
Source: South African Police Service