Namhla Tshisela

Namhla Tshisela

Gauteng Premier Paul Mashatile praised the dedication of 500 detectives who were honoured at a graduation ceremony in Johannesburg yesterday.

The detectives were awarded with certificates after completing an intensive training course to enhance their investigative skills.

"We all know that cases are not won in court. Winning a case is about how the police have managed the investigation," said Mashatile.

Chief executive of Business Against Crime South Africa Siphiwe Nzimande said communities and businesses were concerned about high levels of violence and brutality.

Nzimande said it was disconcerting that less than 14percent of crimes reported resulted in arrests and conviction, making victims reluctant to report crimes.

The training programme focused on skills such as obtaining statements, interviewing suspects, dealing with violent crimes and crime scene management.

Detectives Phillip Maluleke of Johannesburg Central, and Annabel Middleton and Donovan Phillips of Brooklyn, Pretoria, were awarded additional prizes for displaying "unique passion" for acquiring new skills.