Constable Ntholeng on a mission to give GBV survivors a voice

Chevon Booysen|Published 4 months ago

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, marked from November 25 to December 10, serves as a global call to action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children and is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding human rights for all.

In his unwavering pursuit of justice and efforts to tackle the scourge of violence against women and children, the work of Free State police constable, Mosiuwa Ntholeng has secured the imprisonment of predators who are collectively serving 12 life terms and 665 years in prison.

As the country marks 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Ntholeng has been lauded for his sterling investigations which have jailed 26 sexual predators.

Ntholeng is currently an investigator attached to the SAPS Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit in Bloemfontein, Free State. He entered the service in 2012.

Ntholeng’s duties include the investigation of serial rape cases and sexually related crimes committed through electronic mediums, such as the possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography.

His most recent success came in October at the Bethlehem Regional Court where serial rapist Moeketsi Sidwell 'Keke' Lebuso, 30, was jailed to three life terms and an additional seven years in prison for multiple counts of rape and assault to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

“Being a detective is my calling – it gives me great pleasure to solve complex cases,” Ntholeng said.

“I always believe that the evidence will reveal the truth, and I will be the one to uncover it.

“My motivation is the appreciation from the victims, communities I have engaged with, and my colleagues. Serving them to their expectations keeps me on my feet and keeps me grounded to do more.

“It gives a great sense of pride that we are one less of a sexual offender in society through my contribution towards serving justice. I believe that there is more that I can still do,” said Ntholeng. When the serial rapist case landed on Ntholeng’s desk, he wasted no time and meticulously pieced all the available leads together.

Through the application of various investigative techniques, Ntholeng was able to link Lebuso to four cases. Ntholeng’s quality investigations ultimately led to a water-tight case against the accused in court.

SAPS commended Ntholeng as one of its men and women in blue who are not only game changers in their respective fields, but who also go beyond the call of duty to protect women and children in South Africa.

Another career highlight was the arrest of a 56-year-old businessman in Dealesville for sexually abusing boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 16.

Despite the challenges posed by the community’s divided support for the accused, Ntholeng built a solid case, ensuring the victims’ voices were heard. However, the accused passed away before he could be convicted of multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and grooming.

SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said nationally, police have recorded successes by their Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), and since April 2023 to September 2024: 29 150 gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) perpetrators were arrested 16 668 GBVF suspect raids were conducted

556 accused were handed down life sentences.

“There currently are 1 161 designated Victim Friendly Rooms (VFRs) at police facilities which include police stations, contact points, satellite police stations, 2 international airports and at Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units.

“The VFR is a dedicated room within a police station to provide a space for victims of intimate violence (gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual offences and domestic violence) to ensure their statements are taken in private within a non-threatening environment,” said Mathe.

Cape Times