DURBAN – Two Chatsworth detectives were given certificates for their commitment to incarcerating hardened criminals who commit crimes against women.
Detective Sergeant Biyela of the SAPS Chatsworth Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has been commended for remaining committed to incarcerating hardened criminals who commit crimes against women.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said on January 31, the Durban Regional Court sentenced Mbotho Mfanufikile Manzini, 37, to 12 years imprisonment for murder after two years of intensive investigations.
On February 9, 2020, a 29-year-old woman was visiting her friend at the Bottlebrush Informal Settlement where she attempted to cut avocado pears off a tree. Manzini had an altercation with the victim where he stabbed her on her chest. The victim succumbed to her injuries at the scene, Gwala said.
“Three days later, the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Biyela, arrested Manzini after he had fled from the scene.”
“At the first court appearance at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court Manzini was granted bail of R5 000. Detective Sergeant Biyela ensured that witnesses were taken to court to lead evidence. The evidence led by the witnesses played a pivotal role in the imprisonment of Manzini,” Gwala said.
She said the station commander of Chatsworth police station Brigadier Ruth de Villiers commended Detective Sergeant Biyela for adhering to the call made by President Cyril Ramaphosa for society and police must make every endeavour to end gender-based violence against women in South Africa.
Gwala said the South African Police Service was doing everything in its power to fight violence against women and children by means of legislation. The Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998) and the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) gives women and children all over South Africa a real chance to be protected against violence.
“We must do everything in our power to make women and children feel safe and free in our streets, at work and at home,” Gwala said.
De Villiers also acknowledged Detective Sergeant Jwara for his commitment and dedication in ensuring that Derrick Sipho Mkhize, 38, was successfully sentenced for murder which he committed in December 2019.
Gwala said the Durban Regional Court judge had sentenced Mkhize to 15 years at Westville Prison.
“During the initial investigation of the murder at the Bottlebrush Informal Settlement, Mkhize informed police that his girlfriend had been stabbed by unknown suspects. Upon interviewing witnesses, police established that the perpetrator was Mkhize. Detective Sergeant Jwara immediately arrested Mkhize for the murder of his girlfriend,” Gwala said.
She said during initial investigations, Jwara established that Mkhize was out on parole after serving sentence on a previous case of murder and robbery. Detective Sergeant Jwara successfully opposed bail at court ensuring that Mkhize will appear at court for justice to be served.
Brigadier De Villiers said: “Heinous and violent crimes committed against women and children will be prioritised by police. From the onset, witnesses played a pivotal role in ensuring that Mkhize would be brought before the Criminal Justice System.”
“Detective Sergeant Jwara's expertise in the investigation of serious and violent crimes, coupled with the oath undertaken to serve and protect the people of South Africa has ensured that justice is served. This is highly commendable for a victim who lost her life through violence.”
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