MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In the past year, the Mossel Bay Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit has secured 11 life sentences and 207 years imprisonment for 27 sex offenders who are now behind bars.

In a statement by Southern Cape Police spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies, he says as the country continues to observe Women's Month, the police also celebrate specialised units who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect women, children and other vulnerable members of society.

This includes the Mossel Bay FCS unit.

Warrant Officer Soretha van Zyl, who is attached to the unit as an investigator, has contributed greatly to the sentences, with Spies saying her "meticulous investigative approach has earned her an impressive track record in several high-profile cases".

"Driven by a passion for justice, she works tirelessly to remove those who prey on women in both townships and rural communities from society."

Van Zyl says one of her most notable achievements was the conviction of Siyabonga Kiewiet (32), following a complex investigation into the kidnapping and rape of a 28-year-old victim, reported at the KwaNonqaba police station in 2019.

She was called to the station after the victim, who was in a relationship with the perpetrator, reported the incident. On 3 August 2019, Kiewiet kidnapped the victim from Asla Park, KwaNonqaba, and took her to his residence, where he held her captive.

Warrant Officer Soretha van Zyl, an investigator of Mossel Bay FCS. Photos: Supplied

Spies said that the investigation revealed that Kiewiet locked the victim inside his room during the day while he went to work, returning at night to repeatedly rape and assault her. This pattern of abuse continued until 14 August 2019, when the victim’s co-workers traced her location, forced the door open, and freed her.

Van Zyl immediately began her investigation, which led to Kiewiet's arrest. She successfully opposed bail, ensuring that Kiewiet remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing.

Kiewiet was then sentenced to nine life terms and 41 years’ imprisonment for multiple counts of rape, assault to cause grievous bodily harm, assault common and kidnapping.

Van Zyl believes that swift arrests, coupled with close collaboration with prosecutors, are key to protecting victims and bringing cases to finality. She emphasises the importance of psychosocial support for victims before and during court proceedings, as their testimony is vital to securing convictions.

"She has built strong relationships with communities in and around Mossel Bay, recognising the crucial role of Community Police Forums, neighbourhood and farm watch groups, security networks and fellow officers in both investigations and suspect tracking," says Spies.

"Actively involved in these structures, Warrant Officer Soretha van Zyl continues to earn respect from colleagues and community members alike, enhancing the image of the South African Police Service," he said.

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