How Sergeant Felicity Balie brought justice to three sisters abused by their father

Sergeant Felicity Balie of the Paarl FCS Unit secured three life sentences for a father convicted of sexually abusing his daughters.

A Western Cape police officer who investigated the prolonged sexual abuse of three sisters helped put their father behind bars for life.

Sergeant Felicity Balie, 42, of the Paarl Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, investigated the case which resulted in the father being convicted and handed three life sentences in the Malmesbury Regional Court.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment on each of three counts of rape.

For Balie, who has spent more than a decade investigating some of the most difficult crimes against women and children, the sentence meant the family could finally begin to put the ordeal behind them.

“Just knowing that this family can finally close this chapter makes every challenge worthwhile.”

SAPS has highlighted Balie and her work as part of its Women’s Month campaign, which puts the spotlight on women in the police service.

Balie joined SAPS in 2006 and moved to the FCS Unit in 2012. She was promoted to sergeant in 2019.

Her decision to work with victims of abuse was shaped by what she saw growing up in a poor community, where she witnessed children suffering and women subjected to domestic violence.

“I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and help in times of need. Be that light in that dark tunnel,” she said.

It is seeing victims recover from their trauma that Balie said keeps her doing the job.

“To watch the trauma of one day be transformed into a beautiful story, of closure and a return to normal life for my victims, is the best feeling. That keeps me going.”

Balie, who is also a wife and mother of two, said working with victims of gender-based violence required patience, passion and compassion.

She also had a message for women and children who have experienced abuse.