IN THE quiet Northern Cape town of Hopetown, a detective’s unwavering resolve has brought justice to survivors of gender-based violence, proving once again that compassion, commitment and tenacity remain at the heart of effective policing.

Detective Constable Lutsha Sweli, a member of the Hopetown SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, recently secured convictions in two separate gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases - each harrowing in its own right. Yet through his tireless investigative work, survivors found not only support but resolution in the courtroom.

In one of the cases, a young woman’s evening among friends on January 18, 2024, turned violent when her 30-year-old boyfriend, already the subject of a protection order, arrived uninvited. Armed with a knife, the man forcibly removed her from the gathering and dragged her to his home, where he launched a brutal assault, culminating in multiple stab wounds. Despite her trauma, the survivor reported the incident the next day.

Her courage, combined with the swift action of Detective Sweli, led to the arrest and eventual conviction of the assailant, Dilon Paulus.

On March 19, the Hopetown Regional Court sentenced Paulus to five years' imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravention of a protection order. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Another nightmare

In a second case, a 36-year-old woman was at home with her family on August 25, 2024, when another nightmare unfolded. Her attacker, reportedly intoxicated, flew into a rage after demanding a meal that wasn’t yet ready. The situation escalated to a stabbing, with the victim narrowly surviving a wound to the neck.

She managed to recover in the hospital and report the ordeal, enabling Detective Sweli to again spring into action. His methodical case-building ensured that the perpetrator - 33-year-old George Williams - faced justice.

On March 19, the Hopetown Regional Court sentenced Williams to four years' imprisonment for attempted murder and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

While the legal victories are significant, it's the man behind the badge who deserves recognition for his role in restoring a sense of safety and dignity to these women. In a world where GBVF cases often falter under the weight of fear and silence, Detective Sweli’s determination ensured these voices were heard.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said this week that the Pixley ka Seme district SAPS management welcomed the conviction and sentencing of the two individuals by the Hopetown Regional Court for GBVF crimes.

While the district commissioner, Major-General Nomana Mtukushe, praised Detective Sweli’s dedication, it is the survivors - and the wider community - who have benefited most from the unwavering commitment to justice shown by him and the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

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Detective’s determination brings GBV offenders to justice