As South Africa observes Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has highlighted the work of its specialised Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units, which play a critical role in protecting women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
One such unit, based in Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, has been singled out for its commitment to tackling gender-based violence and bringing serial offenders to justice.
Bringing a Serial Rapist to Justice
Between 2014 and 2022, 38-year-old Mzamo Gumede terrorised women in the Empangeni area, raping at least ten victims. His youngest was a 17-year-old girl. Gumede targeted women walking alone, threatening them with either a firearm or a knife before dragging them into nearby bushes to commit the assaults.
Investigators from the Empangeni FCS, led by Lieutenant Colonel Bongiwe Sosibo, painstakingly pieced together evidence, combining forensic results with detailed descriptions from survivors. Their persistence led to Gumede’s identification and arrest.
On 22 October 2024, the Mtubatuba High Court sentenced him to ten life terms for rape, plus 15 years for robbery. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name was added to the National Register for Sex Offenders.
A Record of Results
In the past year alone, the Empangeni FCS unit has secured 30 convictions. Of these, 20 resulted in life sentences, while the remaining ten offenders received a combined total of 275 years in prison.
Lieutenant Colonel Sosibo and her team were praised for their tireless work, often involving long hours and challenging conditions, in pursuit of justice.
The Role of FCS Units
FCS units were established within SAPS to focus on crimes against women, children and other vulnerable groups. They have been described as a crucial development in the fight against gender-based violence, particularly in cases such as rape, which often occur in secluded areas or between acquaintances, making prevention difficult.
Police officials said the Empangeni FCS’s record demonstrates how specialised investigative capacity can make a significant difference in securing justice for victims and helping to restore confidence in law enforcement.
