Spotlight shines on top female Pinetown cop

BEING a woman investigator comes with lots of challenges for Sergeant Zenzile Mkhize as she said people doubt her abilities before witnessing her work.

But that does not deter the hardworking sergeant who is one of the officers with the top number of convictions at the Pinetown Police Station.

Recently, Mkhize secured a 20-year conviction for a robbery. In the month of August, Mkhize has received three certificates for robbery convictions.

She told the Highway Mail that it is her passion to investigate crime.

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“I grew up in KwaNgcolosi, and I had a family member who was a police officer, but what also motivated me to take up a career in the police industry was a family case that never was solved. I always fight for the victims to get justice,” she said.

Mkhize studied at Ulundi Police College and did her field training at Scottburgh SAPS. At Pinetown SAPS, she works at the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.

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Because she is a female officer, Mkhize said she needs to prove herself every day as people do not have faith in women as police.

“Seeing a suspect getting convicted fulfils me as that means there is one more criminal off the streets, and crime decreases as most of the suspects are usually repeat offenders.”

Explaining the cases that she handles at the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, Mkhize said she deals mostly with armed robbery cases, common robberies, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed guns and kidnapping.

“We have a lots of kidnapping cases – most of them are because of the money-dropping scam. This is an old scam, and people are still falling for it. We urge the public to be wary.”

Talking about the scam, Mkhize said a woman will drop the money, and then the unsuspecting victim would be approached by another criminal who convinces them to pick up the money bag and go to a secluded part of town where it can be shared equally between the two.

“These scammers usually target elderly women. While counting the money, a vehicle, usually occupied by two men, drives up to the two while pretending to be police officers.

“They instruct them to get inside the car and tell them they are taking the victim to Pinetown SAPS because the money that the victim and female suspect have belongs to a robbery victim.

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“They then demand the money that was picked up and the victim’s handbag and cellphone. They drive outside of town and demand the Pins for the ATM card.”

Pinetown SAPS component head support commander Colonel Shireen Ramchunder congratulated Mkhize on her exceptional dedication, perseverance and meticulous investigation which led to a significant 20-year conviction.

“Her efforts are truly commendable, demonstrating her unwavering pursuit of truth, accountability and justice. By doing so, she has brought closure to the victims and their families. We extend our sincerest appreciation for her outstanding service and commitment to upholding the law,” said Ramchunder

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