A team of police investigators who gathered extensive evidence which led to the conviction of “sugar-cane” serial killer Thozamile Taki on Wednesday received praises.
“The investigators handled this matter with dedication and professionalism,” South African National Civic Organisation spokesperson Dumisani Mthalane said.
The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal also commended investigators.
“We want to acknowledge the good work of the law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and all other formations that assisted in ensuring that justice prevails,” party provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said.
His organisation believed the sentence would send a clear message that there was no place for women abusers in the society.
The Ministry for Women, Children and People with Disabilities added its voice to the chorus of praise.
“We commend the investigating team and prosecutors for the sterling work done,” the department’s spokesperson Sibani Mngadi said.
This sentence was appropriate to the atrocities and vicious nature of the crimes committed against the 13 women.
“The sentence demonstrates the commitment within the criminal justice system to act firmly against perpetrators of gender-based violence.”
Taki lured his victims into isolated areas by promising them jobs before robbing and killing them. Their bodies were dumped in KwaZulu-Natal’s Umzinto sugar-cane plantations and tea plantations in Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape. — Sapa