Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing the annual 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children campaign by highlighting the work of its men and women in blue who also go beyond the call of duty to protect women and children.
Today, (Sunday 26 November 2023), we introduce the nation to Sergeant Molwantoa Rapakgadi, a seasoned detective attached to the SAPS Gauteng’s Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations unit.
SECI is a specialised unit within the provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences that investigates serial rapists and offenders involved in Child Pornography.
To date, Rapakgadi has secured 57 life-term sentences and an additional 3 074 years in prison for 17 serial rapists.
Rapakgadi is certainly living up to his first name “Molwantoa”, loosely translated from Sepedi means “warrior”.
He consistently strives for service excellence.
In 2020 Rapakgadi was awarded with a Certificate of Commendation by the National Commissioner of SAPS for successfully linking six accused, dubbed the “Six Men Syndicate” to a series of crimes they committed around the areas north of Gauteng, Klipgat in North West and Modimolle in Limpopo between 2010 and 2018.
Rapakgadi’s meticulousness and the application of forensic techniques resulted in Blessing Mabeshu, Thomas Ndlovu, Kenneth Maphosa, Talent Nkala, Bongani Masuku, and Prince Ngwenya being found guilty on multiple counts that include rape, murder, attempted murder, house robbery.
The accused were collectively sentenced to 40 life terms and 1 793 years in prison.
During their reign of terror, the six would pounce on their victims during a house robbery where they would proceed to rape, assault, and rob their victims.
The six men were also linked to the murder of a police officer in Soshanguve and sentenced accordingly.
Rapakgadi says he takes pride in his work and hardly takes leave or books off sick.
“Being a detective is my calling and it gives me great pleasure to solve complex cases,” said Rapakgadi.
“Most of my suspects are unknown at first, but through various investigative techniques I am able to identify, trace, and arrest these serial rapists.”
Today’s hero, Sergeant Molwantoa Rapakgadi leaves no stone unturned in bringing justice for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
