SAPS highlights work of men and women during 16 Days of Activism

While the country observes the 16 Days of Activism, the South African Police Service (SAPS) highlighted the work of its men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to put rapists and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) perpetrators behind bars.

The United Nations 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign takes place annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).

This month the SAPS features Captain Michelle Dhawrajh, who works with the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) Unit. Captain Dhawrajh is committed to the fight against GBVF.

The SAPS said in a statement that Captain Dhawrajh has more than 20 years in the field. She still leads and conducts evening raid operations to trace wanted suspects in GBVF related cases.

Captain Dhawrajh’s passion for her work is her driving force ensuring that perpetrators who commit GBVF crimes are put behind bars.

“To date, Captain Dhawrajh has secured 20 life sentences and a collective 70-year imprisonment for rapists and GBVF perpetrators in and around Durban,” the SAPS said in a statement.

“In total, 25 suspects are doing time in prison, thanks to her meticulous investigative prowess.”

Captain Dhawrajh is also passionate about raising awareness and sensitising communities to reporting rape and other sexual offences.

Among her many assignments, Captain Dhawrajh secured the sentencing of a 35-year-old man to life in prison for raping his eight-month-old niece.

“In light of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, I urge communities to stop alcohol and drug abuse, as they are major contributors to most crimes committed against women and children. I encourage communities to get more involved and report cases to stop the scourge of GBVF,” said Captain Dhawrajh.