The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to highlight the work of its men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to put ruthless rapists and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) perpetrators behind bars.
One such officer committed to the fight against GBV is Captain Michelle Dhawrajh, who is attached to the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) Unit.
With more than 20 years in the field, Dhawrajh still leads and conducts evening raid operations to trace wanted suspects in GBVF related cases.
To date, she has secured 20 life sentences and a collective 70 years imprisonment for rapists and GBVF perpetrators in and around Durban.
In total, 25 suspects are doing time in prison, thanks to her meticulous investigative prowess.
Dhawrajh is also passionate about raising awareness and sensitising communities to reporting rape and other sexual offences.
Amongst her many assignments, 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, Dhawrajh has urged communities to stop alcohol and drug abuse, as they are major contributors to most crimes committed against women and children.
She further encouraged communities to get more involved and report cases to stop the scourge of GBVF. – SAnews.gov.za