Kimberley: With the country continuing to observe the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is celebrating the pivotal contributions of officers like Sergeant Martha van Rensburg. An esteemed investigator with the Serial and Electronic Crimes Investigations (SECI) Unit in Kimberley, Northern Cape, van Rensburg is renowned for her relentless dedication to combating crimes against women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
According to South African Government News Agency, within just two years, van Rensburg achieved remarkable success by securing two life terms and an additional 72 years’ imprisonment for five sexual predators. Fondly known as ‘Tokkie’ in her community, van Rensburg began her journey with the SAPS in 2009, driven by an ardent commitment to serve and protect her nation.
A standout moment in her career came when she played a crucial role in the conviction of Thabo Mosielele and Motlaatsamaya Gaotlhope. In 2022, the K
uruman Magistrates Court sentenced the duo to two life terms and 90 additional years for their heinous crimes of rape and housebreaking. The pair had terrorized women in Heuningvlei between 2016 and 2017, breaking into homes and committing repeated assaults.
This complex case, which landed on van Rensburg’s desk, required meticulous investigation. She diligently connected all available leads, successfully tying the perpetrators to their crimes, which resulted in a robust case against them in court. Her responsibilities as a SECI investigator encompass probing serial rape cases and offenses using electronic mediums, including the distribution of child pornography. Her work often takes her across vast distances in the Northern Cape to track down and apprehend offenders.
Van Rensburg’s personal experience as a rape survivor enhances her empathy and dedication to supporting victims. “Protecting women and children is not just a duty-it’s a personal mission. Every case is a reminder of the lives we can change thr
ough justice being served and support provided to victims,” she passionately stated.
Through her diligent investigations and compassionate interactions with survivors, van Rensburg has become a beacon of hope and resilience. “Rest assured, she will continue to put more sexual predators behind bars, one by one,” affirmed the police.
The 16 Days campaign is part of a broader initiative, the 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. This year’s theme, “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence against Women and Children,” underscores the ongoing commitment to this cause. The campaign runs annually from 25 November to 10 December.