By OBAKENG MAJE
22 August 2025- In commemoration of Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in its mission to ensure justice for women, children, and other vulnerable members of society. The SAPS in Northern Cape said the focus was placed on the commendable achievements of the Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sergio Kock said over the past year, the Kuruman FCS Unit has secured four life sentences and achieved 30 convictions for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and sexual offences, amounting to a total of 369 years of imprisonment collectively handed down to offenders.
The acting Kuruman FCS Commander, Captain Caren Nel, expressed pride in her team of 13 dedicated and committed investigating officers, one loyal Provisioning Administration Clerk, and a compassionate Captain serving as the unit’s Forensic Social Worker. Nel said the unit effected 223 arrests in the past year for various offences relating to family violence, child protection and sexual offences in Kuruman and surrounding areas.
One notable case was led by Detective Constable Lorato Michelle Badukane, a mother of two who is deeply committed to ensuring justice is served. Through her diligent work, a life sentence was secured in a Bothitong rape case, in which a grandfather (60) repeatedly raped his granddaughter (11).
“It is heart-breaking to handle cases involving children, especially as we are parents ourselves. However, sentences such as these give us some comfort, knowing that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are convicted and permanently removed from society,” said Badukane.
Nel said Kuruman FCS Unit marks Women’s Month 2025 with a renewed vow to ensure that no GBVF or sexual offender escapes justice. He further said the team remains unwavering in its courage and commitment to protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
The Guardian 