| 2024/08/15 |
|
Media Statement GAUTENG – As the country observes Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on a series of profiles to celebrate and pay tribute to women in policing who remain relentless in their efforts to make the country a safer place for all. Today, we introduce the nation to Sergeant Roseline Seekoei who is attached to the Benoni K9 Unit and currently the only female biological body fluid detection dog handler in Gauteng Province. Seekoei pursued her childhood dream of becoming a police woman just after she completed matric in 1997. She applied on numerous occasions and was finally enlisted in the Service 17 years ago as a student constable. Her ‘go-getter’ attitude led Seekoei to be a woman of many firsts: * The first police woman to patrol the streets of Pixley Ka Seme District, Northern Cape after she completed her basic training; * The first female dog handler of Pixley Ka Seme District to have completed the Biological Body Fluid Detection Dog Handlers course in 2012; and * The first and currently the only female biological body fluid detection dog handler in Gauteng Province Seekoei believes in continuous self-development and obtained a Bachelor degree in Police Practice in 2023 and also holds a Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation (2018). Seekoei is currently studying towards an Honours degree in Police Practice. Career highlights are many, but a particular one that stands out from the rest was when Seekoei and sniffer dog “Gabs” were called in to assist with a murder case. The family of Chris Barnard, a former Koevoet police officer, reported him missing in December 2019 after he met a woman on Facebook; his body was found two months later in a veld near the Wallmansdall Military Camp. The three suspects tried to clear their tracks by cleaning the crime scene, but sniffer dog Gabs responded positively to blood which was not visible to the naked eye at the victim’s home in Sinoville and inside his vehicle. This piece of evidence played a pivotal role in ensuring a water-tight case against the accused in court. In April 2023, the Gauteng North High Court sentenced Corne de Beer and her two accomplices Richardt Botha and Wayne van der Walt each to an additional 22 years’ imprisonment for fraud and theft; they were already serving life imprisonment for the murder of Chris Barnard at the time. A biological sniffer dog is specifically trained to detect evidence on crime scenes which plays a crucial role in the investigation of murder and rape cases as well as the successful prosecution of suspects. “I thank God for the strength, resilience and wisdom He bestows upon my life each time when I get called out to crime scenes. Being a police woman is my calling and it gives me pleasure knowing we can ensure justice prevails for victims and their families,” said Seekoei. Sergeant Roseline Seekoei’s four-legged partner “Gabs” retired from active service about a month ago after serving his country with pride.
Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService
|
|
|
| Additional content: |
|
|
