From conducting investigations and placing victims at the centre of the policing response to pursuing justice and holding perpetrators accountable, Constable Malearongwa Mokoena has demonstrated that effective policing is not only about enforcing the law, but also about serving people with integrity, dignity and purpose.
The 28-year-old constable works for the South African Police Service (SAPS) as an investigator attached to the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Through her work, she has contributed to putting perpetrators of crimes against women and children behind bars.
As part of Women’s Month celebrations, the SAPS is paying tribute to its women in blue who are helping to shape a safer, more responsive and professional police service through its national campaign, “Women Leading the Reset Agenda.”
The campaign shines a light on the courage, resilience, dedication and professionalism of female police officers who serve on the front line of protecting women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
Their work reflects the values at the heart of the SAPS Reset Agenda — ethical leadership, accountability, professionalism and service excellence.
Through the campaign, SAPS is profiling exceptional women whose leadership, compassion and commitment are making a meaningful impact on communities and strengthening public confidence in policing.
Born and raised in QwaQwa in the Free State, Mokoena’s policing career began in 2019 at the SAPS Academy in Graaff-Reinet.
After completing the foundational phase of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme in 2020, Mokoena was placed at the Phuthaditjhaba Police Station.
The SAPS said the constable is a true testament to the phrase, "many are called, but only a few are chosen."
This became evident when she was the only member of her group to be placed at the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
At the time, Mokoena had never envisaged joining the FCS Unit, believing she would become too emotionally involved in investigating cases involving crimes against women, children and other vulnerable people.
“Constable Mokoena then decided to place her trust in God to lead her along the way. A recent success in court includes the sentencing of a 34-year-old stepfather to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor stepdaughter between 2017 and 2018. The abuse continued over a period of time, with the perpetrator using threats to silence the victim,” the SAPS said.
The perpetrator threatened to evict the victim and her mother from his home if she disclosed what had happened.
“Despite these threats, the victim found the courage to break her silence and report the abuse, resulting in the opening of a rape case.
“Constable Mokoena’s tireless efforts led to a solid case being presented in court, and on 29 May 2029, the Bothaville Regional Court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment on two counts of rape,” the SAPS said.
While pursuing a Police Science degree, Constable Mokoena encourages victims to speak up and give police the opportunity to investigate their cases so that perpetrators are brought to book.
“Being an FCS investigator is more than just an investigative job. Through my meticulous investigations, perpetrators are brought to book, and victims of sexual offences reclaim their power back,” said Mokoena. – SAnews.gov.za
