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[WOMANS MONTH] PROTECTORS OF THE VULNERABLE – MOSSEL BAY FCS UNIT SECURED 11 LIFE TERMS AND 207 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR 27 OFFENDERS IN THE PAST YEAR
Western Cape, 18 August 2025; As the country observes Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to celebrate its specialised units who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect women, children, and other vulnerable members of society.
Today, we are shining a spotlight on the Mossel Bay Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
In the past year, Mossel Bay FCS investigators collectively secured 11 life terms and 207 years’ imprisonment for 27 sexual offenders who are now behind bars.
Warrant Officer Soretha van Zyl is attached to Mossel Bay FCS Unit as an investigator. Her meticulous investigative approach has earned her an impressive track record in several high-profile cases. Driven by a passion for justice, she works tirelessly to remove from society those who prey on women in both township and rural communities.
One of her most notable achievements was the conviction of Siyabonga Kiewiet (32), following a complex investigation into the kidnapping and rape of a 28-year-old victim, reported at the KwaNonqaba police station in 2019.
Van Zyl recalls being called to the station after the victim, who was in a relationship with the perpetrator at the time, reported the incident. On 3 August 2019, Kiewiet kidnapped the victim from Asla Park, KwaNonqaba, and took her to his residence, where he held her captive.
The investigation revealed that the perpetrator locked the victim inside his room during the day while he went to work, returning at night to repeatedly rape and assault the victim. This pattern of abuse continued until 14 August 2019, when the victim’s co-workers traced her location, forced the door open, and freed her.
Warrant Officer Van Zyl immediately commenced her investigation, which led to the arrest of the perpetrator. She successfully opposed bail, ensuring that Kiewiet remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing. Her diligence resulted in Kiewiet being sentenced to nine life terms and 41 years’ imprisonment for multiple counts of rape, assault to cause grievous bodily harm, assault common, and kidnapping.
Van Zyl believes that swift arrests, coupled with close collaboration with prosecutors, are key to protecting victims and bringing cases to finality. She emphasises the importance of psychosocial support for victims before and during court proceedings, as their testimony is vital to securing convictions.
She has built strong relationships with communities in and around Mossel Bay, recognising the crucial role of Community Police Forums, neighbourhood and farm watch groups, security networks, and fellow officers in both investigations and suspect tracking.
Actively involved in these structures, Warrant Officer Soretha van Zyl continues to earn respect from colleagues and community members alike, enhancing the image of the South African Police Service.
