A Tribute to Justice: Admiring the Work of Officer Morwe Frans Motsume - Cape Town Today
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A Tribute to Justice: Admiring the Work of Officer Morwe Frans Motsume

4 mins read
law enforcement justice

Morwe Frans Motsume is a revered figure in South African law enforcement, with 33 years of dedicated service in the SAPS. He is celebrated for his exceptional aptitude as a detective, capturing 13 serial rapists and obtaining an extraordinary sentence for the 40-year-old serial offender, Albert Nyembe. Despite challenges such as the disappearance of the original case file and Nyembe’s intimidation of victims, Motsume remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice, driven by a fervour to safeguard women and children.

A Tribute to Justice: Admiring the Work of Officer Morwe Frans Motsume

Morwe Frans Motsume, a distinguished detective with 33 years of service in the South African Police Service (SAPS), is revered for his pivotal role in obtaining an extraordinary sentence for the 40-year-old serial offender, Albert Nyembe. His unwavering dedication to his career, commitment to capturing serial rapists, and exceptional aptitude as a detective make him a revered figure in law enforcement.

A Revered Figure in Law Enforcement

In the chronicles of South African law enforcement, the name Morwe Frans Motsume evokes a profound depth of reverence and veneration. A distinguished detective with 33 years of unwavering service in the South African Police Service (SAPS), his tenacious quest for justice bears witness to both his professional devotion and personal principles.

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Tommy Mthombeni, recently expressed his immense admiration for Motsume’s pivotal role in obtaining an extraordinary sentence for the 40-year-old serial offender, Albert Nyembe. His charges included rape, attempted rape, kidnapping, robbery under aggravating circumstances, and assault, resulting in seven life sentences and an additional 260 years for an astounding 31 counts.

Motsume’s contributions acquire even more relevance as SAPS commemorates National Child Protection Week, an annual initiative emphasizing the necessity of protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. His victories act as a beacon of hope, offering solace to communities beleaguered by the grim shadow of gender-based violence and family crimes.

Unwavering Dedication and Hard Work

The journey of Motsume’s career is a grand account of commitment, diligence, and endurance. Thirteen years ago, he became part of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) and the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) units, making the safety of women and children his primary objective. His accomplishment of capturing 13 serial rapists, one each year, is indeed a noteworthy feat that accentuates his exceptional aptitude as a detective.

In 2020, Motsume took up the complex task of investigating the crimes of Albert Nyembe, who was implicated by DNA evidence and was facing court for another charge. The investigation was far from easy. The original case file mysteriously disappeared, and Nyembe’s intimidation of his victims posed additional hurdles.

Nyembe, whose reign of terror stretched from 2014 to 2016, left a community living in fear and a series of victims traumatized by his appalling crimes. Despite the challenges, Motsume remained steadfast. With the invaluable support of Detective Sergeants Dineo Moloi and Pule Kotelo, he embarked on a meticulous journey to identify the victims, rebuild the case files, and establish a strong case against Nyembe.

Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Justice

The task of restoring the case files was both arduous and time-consuming, taking a full year to accomplish. However, the careful work yielded results when the case files were finally submitted, thanks to the unwavering efforts of a dedicated team, including Detective Captain Bernard Smith and Chief Admin Clerk Lerato Morake, under the supervision of Colonel Simangele Mntambo.

In acknowledgement of his work, Judge CI Moosa of the High Court Gauteng Division Johannesburg commended Motsume for his substantial contribution to the state’s victorious case against Nyembe. This commendation is a meaningful acknowledgement of Motsume’s devotion and commitment to his career.

However, for Motsume, the impetus to bring criminals to justice surpasses professional obligation. It’s a deeply personal mission, driven by a fervour to safeguard the women and children of his nation and establish a secure environment for everyone.

A Balanced Life and a Continuous Pursuit of Justice

Outside the demands of his professional life, Motsume is a family-oriented man, a husband to a supportive spouse, a father to four children, and a sibling. With a subtle sense of humour, he is a composed prankster and an ardent fan of Kaizer Chiefs FC and Manchester City FC.

The story of Warrant Officer Morwe Frans Motsume is one of relentless pursuit of justice, a tale that not only motivates individuals within the police force but also reassures communities about SAPS’s dedication to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. His commitment and determination serve as a reminder of the impact an individual’s dedication to serve their community can have and the significant difference it can make.

Who is Morwe Frans Motsume?

Morwe Frans Motsume is a distinguished detective with 33 years of service in the South African Police Service (SAPS), known for his exceptional aptitude as a detective and his unwavering dedication to capturing serial rapists.

What are some of Morwe Frans Motsume’s achievements?

Morwe Frans Motsume captured 13 serial rapists and played a pivotal role in obtaining an extraordinary sentence for the 40-year-old serial offender, Albert Nyembe, who was responsible for multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, kidnapping, robbery under aggravating circumstances, and assault.

What challenges did Morwe Frans Motsume face in his career?

Morwe Frans Motsume faced challenges such as the disappearance of the original case file and the intimidation of victims by the serial offender, Albert Nyembe. Despite these hurdles, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice.

What is National Child Protection Week?

National Child Protection Week is an annual initiative in South Africa that emphasizes the importance of protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.

What is Morwe Frans Motsume’s personal mission?

Morwe Frans Motsume is driven by a fervour to safeguard the women and children of his nation and establish a secure environment for everyone. Bringing criminals to justice is a deeply personal mission for him.

What is Morwe Frans Motsume’s personal life like?

Morwe Frans Motsume is a family-oriented man, a husband, a father of four children, and a sibling. He has a subtle sense of humor, is a composed prankster, and an ardent fan of Kaizer Chiefs FC and Manchester City FC.

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