In honour of Women’s Month, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and the Saps provincial management are sending their appreciation to all the women who serve in the Organisation for their contributions, accomplishments and commitment.
This year, we salute one of the strong and courageous detectives in the province, Sergeant Chuene Rachel Selolo. The remarkable woman is based at the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, which is a crucial unit that offers specialised investigations to women and children victims of crime. Her work involves investigating cases in the Mankweng, Polokwane, Westenburg, Botlokwa and Sebayeng areas.
The 47-year-old Sergeant, has been in the SAPS for sixteen years having joined in 2003 and transferred to FCS Unit in 2007. She holds a Degree in Psychology which plays a major role in the trauma she faces every day. With over 10 years’ experience as an investigator, Sergeant Selolo is recognized for her consistent and effective investigations that have sent dangerous rapists to prison for a long time. She used her experience acquired in the operational environment to tackle complex cases and effect arrest of hardened criminals.
Her brilliant work was recognized after the conviction of Botlokwa serial rapist Robert Makgolobotho who was sent to life imprisonment for three separate cases and additional 10 years in a reign of terror that started in 2015. Furthermore, she has previously arrested a suspect for rape and attempted rape of a 10-year-old victim and ensured two life sentences for the suspect. In addition, due to her outstanding detective skills, five other rapists were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Sergeant Selolo outlines her goals and what motivated her to get to where she is today.
“I love children, I am determined to fight and prevent crimes against women and children and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book. What also gives me courage every day, is seeing the victims of the heinous crimes we investigated, believing in the police to bring them justice and ultimately restoring the communities’ confidence in the police and the law,” she said.
She has remained true to her motto:” KNOWING YOURSELF IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM” and it has served and continues to serve her well during her remarkable career. She encourages the youth to follow their passion no matter the obstacles.
