WeeklySA_AdminBUST:She has sent multiple serious sex offenders to long prison sentences
By Frank Maponya
Meet Chuene Rachel Selolo, the hard-working crime buster who is out to remove off the streets all perpetrators guilty of crimes against women and children in Limpopo.
The 47-year-old police sergeant has been credited with cracking several cases involving the abuse of women and children in the Polokwane, Mankweng, Westenburg, Botlokwa and Sebayeng areas.
She is attached to the Polokwane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, which is a crucial unit that offers specialised investigations in cases involving women and children who are victims of crime.
Having joined the SAPS in 2003, Sergeant Selolo was transferred to the FCS unit in 2007. She holds a degree in psychology, which plays a major role in handling the trauma in cases she faces every day. With over 10 years’ experience as an investigator, the brave Selolo was this week recognised for her consistent and effective investigations that have sent dangerous rapists to prison for a long time.
She uses her experience acquired in the operational environment to tackle complex cases and in effecting the arrest of hardened criminals.
Her brilliant work was recognised after the conviction of Botlokwa serial rapist Robert Mokgolobotho, who was sent to life imprisonment for three separate cases and an additional 10 years following 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.
Selolo, outlining her goals that have motivated her to get to where she is today, she said: “I love children, and am determined to fight and prevent crimes against women and children and also ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“What also gives me courage every day is seeing the victims of the heinous crimes I investigated believing in the police to bring them justice and ultimately restoring the communities’ confidence in the police and the law,” she said.
And Selolo’s motto is, “knowing yourself is the beginning of wisdom,” and that has motivated her throughout her remarkable career. She encourages the youth to follow their passion, “no matter the obstacles.”
In honour of women’s month, Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe and the police management in the province sent their appreciation to all the women who serve in the organisation for their contributions, accomplishments and commitments.
