As the country moves to celebrate Women’s Day, the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to profile the work of female officers who give their all to protect the nation.
Sergeant Ilze Fan, an investigator attached to the De Aar Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Northern Cape, has a passion for investigating crimes committed against women and children.
The 43-year-old began her policing career in 2006 as a constable at Victoria West Police Station. Recognised early on for her ability to take quality statements and conduct thorough investigations, she pursued a career in the detective environment.
It was there that she discovered her passion for investigating crimes committed against women and children, leading to her transfer to the De Aar FCS Unit.
Among her many career highlights, one case stands out above the rest. In March 2024, the De Aar Regional Court sentenced 47-year-old Coert Botha to 66 years' imprisonment on 13 charges, including rape, sexual violation, exposing and displaying pornographic material to children, causing a child to witness self-masturbation, and attempted sexual violation.
Between 2019 and 2021, Botha lured young boys between the ages of nine and 14 to his home, where he sexually assaulted and raped them.
The matter was assigned to Sergeant Fan for further investigation. Leaving no stone unturned, she meticulously gathered and analysed the evidence, building a watertight case that ultimately secured the offender's conviction and lengthy prison sentence.
In another notable success, the De Aar Regional Court, on 29 January 2026, sentenced 26-year-old Hilton Jafta to 15 years' direct imprisonment for kidnapping, rape and statutory rape. The court also ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
On 26 October 2024, Jafta forcibly took his girlfriend to his home in Sunrise, where he assaulted and raped her. Community members alerted police after hearing the victim's cries for help, leading to Jafta's immediate arrest.
During the investigation, Sergeant Fan established that Jafta had fathered a child with the victim while she was still a minor. This crucial discovery resulted in an additional charge of statutory rape being added to the case.
A mother of two, Sergeant Fan says she is proud to serve in the South African Police Service because it gives her the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims.
"Every case docket that lands on my desk is an opportunity to restore the dignity of a victim, identify the perpetrator and ensure that justice is served. Our women and girl children deserve to live and walk freely in their communities without fear," Sergeant Fan said.
Fan's unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable, pursuing justice and serving with integrity embodies the professionalism, accountability and service excellence that lie at the heart of the SAPS Reset Agenda.
The SAPS Women's Month campaign, "Women Leading the Reset Agenda," honours women in blue.
This year's campaign recognises the dedication, resilience and professionalism of female police officers who protect women, children and other vulnerable groups while advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda through ethical leadership, accountability, service excellence and professionalism.
South Africa commemorates Women’s Month annually in August to honour the 1956 Women’s March, when 20 000 women walked to the Union Buildings in protest against apartheid pass laws.
The country will celebrate Women’s Day on Sunday, 9 August, 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
