As South Africa commemorates Womens Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is celebrating its women in blue who are helping to shape a safer, more responsive and professional police service through its national campaign, “Women Leading the Reset Agenda.”
The campaign shines a light on the courage, resilience, dedication and professionalism of female police officers who serve on the frontline of protecting women, children and other vulnerable members of society. Their work reflects the values at the heart of the SAPS Reset Agenda – ethical leadership, accountability, professionalism and service excellence.
Through the theme “Women Leading the Reset Agenda,” SAPS is profiling exceptional women whose leadership, compassion and commitment are making a meaningful impact on communities and strengthening public confidence in policing.
Today, SAPS introduces the nation to 28-year-old Constable Malearongwa Mokoena, an investigator attached to the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Born and raised in QwaQwa, Free State, Constable Mokoena’s policing career began in 2019 at the SAPS Academy in Graaff Reinet. After completing the foundational phase of the Basic Police Development Learning programme in 2020, Constable Mokoena was placed at Phuthaditjhaba Police Station.
Constable Mokoena is a true testament of the phrase “many are called, but only a few are chosen.” This became evident when she was the only one from her group to be placed at the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
At the time, Constable Mokoena never envisaged joining the FCS unit, believing she would get too emotionally involved with the investigation of cases involving crimes against women, children and other vulnerable people. Constable Mokoena then decided to place her trust in God to lead her along the way.
A recent success in court includes the sentencing of a 34-year-old stepfather to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor stepdaughter between 2017 and 2018.
The abuse continued over a period of time, with the perpetrator using threats to silence the victim. He warned that he would evict the victim and her mother from his home if she disclosed what had happened. Despite these threats, the victim found the courage to break her silence and report the abuse, resulting in the opening of a rape case.
Constable Mokoena’s tireless efforts led to a solid case being presented in court and on 29 May 2026, the Bothaville Regional Court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment on two counts of rape. Pursuing a Police Science degree, Constable Mokoena encourages victims to speak up and give police the opportunity to investigate their cases to ensure perpetrators are brought to book.
“Being an FCS investigator is more than just an investigative job. Through my meticulous investigations, perpetrators are brought to book and victims of sexual offences reclaim their power back,” says Constable Mokoena.
From conducting quality investigations and placing victims at the centre of the policing response, to pursuing justice and holding perpetrators accountable, Constable Malearongwa Mokoena demonstrates that effective policing is not only about enforcing the law – it is about serving people with integrity, dignity and purpose.
