By Staff Reporter
news@alexreporter.co.za
As the country observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women & Children Campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) deemed it fit to pay gratitude to detectives in the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) as well as the detectives within the Serial and Electronic FCS Crime Investigations (SECI) whose efforts often go unnoticed for contributing to a much better and safer South Africa.
The SAPS introduced the nation to Captain Anjalaydevi Pillay.
Born and bred in Stanger in Kwa-Zulu Natal, this member has 30 years service, having joined the organisation in 1991.
The member began her career in Soweto, and later moved to Kwa-Zulu Natal where she joined the FCS unit in 2008.
Since 2008, the member has assisted both old and young in finding closure for GBV related cases.
She has to date been instrumental in the handing over of more than 15 life sentences and an additional 455 years imprisonment for GBV perpetrators.
Over and above her investigative duties, the member inspects other members dockets on a daily basis and ensures that GBV victims are attended to immediately and are always kept abreast of any developments on their cases.
While her passion lies in assisting women, children and vulnerable groups, the member admits she has a soft spot for assisting children.
She has been involved in several cases where children were either abducted, kidnapped, sexually violated and raped.
In May 2020 she led a team that successfully rescued a newborn baby who had been kidnapped from her mother at a local taxi rank in Umzimkhulu.
The new born baby’s mother was befriended by a teenager who offered to carry her baby while she used the restroom. When the mother returned, her baby and kidnapper were nowhere to be found.
Within 24 hours, the baby was found and reunited with her mother, the suspect was arrested and her case is currently on the court roll.
This seasoned investigator is warning people, especially mothers not to be so trusting with their children.
“We live in a society where people are not who they present themselves to be. Mothers, especially with newborn babies, must always be extra vigilant and not be so trusting with their children.
“When travelling with a child always ensure that you do not leave your child in the company of strangers and always keep them close at all times”, advises Captain Pillay.
Pillay has been celebrated for tracing and apprehending two of KZN’s most wanted serial rapists.
The Msomi brothers had been terrorizing women and children in and around the High Flats and St Faith area in the Harry Gwala district for years until they were apprehended by Captain Pillay in 2018.
On October 2021, the brothers were sentenced to a combined 200 years direct imprisonment.
This dedicated member is currently working on 500 GBV related cases in the Southern parts of KZN and warns those who are on the wrong side of the law that their days are numbered.
“My duty is to restore faith and justice in the work of the police and most importantly, ensure justice for all victims and survivors,” said Pillay.
The FCS unit boasts 176 units nationwide and nine Serial and Electronic Crime FCS Investigation Units based at Provincial Offices across the country.
The South African Police Service is encouraging all citizens to download the #MySAPS app.
The app allows citizens to share information more effectively by providing tip-offs anonymously through the app, finding the nearest police stations and facilities and offers quick access to all official SAPS social media platforms.
In addition, GBV survivors and those exposed to GBV related abuse are encouraged to click on the vulnerability services icon on the MySAPSApp to get a better understanding of what the FCS unit offers to GBV survivors and affected parties.
